Just the thought of warm, chewy matcha granola bars brings back memories of cozy afternoons in the kitchen. The lovely aroma of baked goodness fills the air, while everyone gathers for a tasty snack. These bars are trending on TikTok for good reason energy-packed and oh-so-delicious!
These delightful treats are made with wholesome oats, a touch of maple syrup, and that lovely matcha magic. They’re super easy and can be whipped up with pantry staples. Think of it as your grandma’s granola, but a whole lot faster! Full details in the blog!
I remember making fun snacks with my kids, and this recipe is a total win in our home. It’s healthy, flavorful, and a bit messy, just like the best times! I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy these chewy matcha granola bars made with wholesome nuts and maple syrup, perfect for an energizing snack. These easy matcha oat bars high protein are homemade matcha energy bars nuts that keep you fueled all day.
Ingredients
Scale
2 c Rolled Oats Gluten Free
1 c Pumpkin Seeds
1 ½ c Puffed Rice Cereal Gluten Free
½ c Dried Blueberries
1 Tbsp Yu Matcha Powder
¼ tsp Sea Salt
⅓ c Honey or Brown Rice Syrup vegan choice
½ c Tahini
2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the rolled oats along with pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring a few times to avoid burning.
Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking pan by lining it with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Transfer the toasted oats and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl and add puffed rice cereal, dried blueberries, sea salt, and matcha powder. Mix all dry ingredients well.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the honey or brown rice syrup, tahini, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and blended.
Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients and stir quickly to coat everything evenly.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan and refrigerate for about an hour to set.
Once chilled, cut into bars or squares and store them wrapped in the fridge for best freshness, although they can be packed for on-the-go without chilling.
Notes
For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Category:Snack
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Fusion
Nutrition
Calories:2400
Why You’ll Love These Matcha Granola Bars
These matcha granola bars are not only a delicious snack but also bring a cozy touch to your busy day. Picture this: a lovely afternoon spent reminiscing about warm childhood treats, but with a modern twist! Each bite is packed with the earthy flavor of matcha and the delightful crunch of pumpkin seeds and oats. They’re perfect for munching on the go, a pick-me-up during your afternoon slump, or a sweet addition to your kids’ lunchboxes.
These bars also shine in their simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re easy to whip up alongside your morning coffee. Their natural sweetness comes from honey or brown rice syrup, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. Plus, they are gluten-free, suitable for various dietary preferences!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Rolled Oats & Pumpkin Seeds: The backbone of your bars. They provide a hearty base and lots of fiber, keeping you full!
Matcha Powder: This magical powder gives our bars their beautiful green hue and adds a boost of antioxidants.
Tahini: It adds a nice creaminess along with healthy fats. Peanut butter or almond butter can be great substitutes if you prefer!
Coconut Oil: This keeps your bars chewy and enhances their flavor. You can swap it out with any neutral oil if needed.
Essential Kitchen Tools: A 9×13 baking dish, mixing bowls, and a saucepan for melting the wet ingredients. A sturdy spatula is handy for mixing!
Simple Steps to Make It
Preheat your oven to 325°F and spread the rolled oats and pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fragrant.
While they’re cooling, prepare your baking dish by lining it with plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled oats and pumpkin seeds with puffed rice cereal, dried blueberries, sea salt, and the matcha powder.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, tahini, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into your lined baking dish, pressing it flat with a spatula. Pop it into the fridge for about an hour to firm up, then cut into bars or squares as you prefer! Enjoy your cozy homemade treat!
Easy Customizations
Feel free to tweak this recipe based on your taste or pantry! Here are some fun ideas:
Nut Swaps: Try tossing in almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. Just keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor.
Dried Fruit: Switch out the blueberries for cranberries or chopped dates if you’re feeling adventurous!
Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey a bit or add some mashed bananas, which also enhance the banana flavor.
Storage Tips + Expert Storage Guide
To keep your matcha granola bars fresh and chewy, here are some helpful storage tips:
Storage Method
Duration
Notes
Refrigerator
Up to 2 weeks
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for on-the-go snacking!
Freezer
Up to 3 months
For longer storage, freeze bars in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Counter
3-4 days
They can last a few days at room temperature; just keep them cool and away from direct sunlight.
As you dive into making these delightful easy matcha oat bars high protein, remember, the kitchen should feel like home and these bars are meant for sharing or maybe just for you! They’re just waiting to become part of your cozy snack routine. Happy cooking!
Expert Says
When making matcha granola bars, it’s essential to ensure the oats are evenly coated with the wet ingredients for optimal texture. Matcha not only adds a unique flavor but also provides antioxidants. This balance of ingredients leads to a satisfying snack that fuels your body throughout the day.
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The Quest for the Best Matcha Granola Bars
After several rounds of trial and error, I finally landed on a recipe for matcha granola bars that the whole family loves. From crumbly disasters to flavor mixes that didn’t quite work, each attempt brought me closer to the perfect balance of crunch and earthy sweetness that has become a new favorite snack.
FAQs ( Matcha Granola Bars )
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and boosts metabolism. It provides a calm alertness due to its unique amino acids and offers benefits for heart health and cholesterol levels. Incorporating matcha into your diet can enhance overall wellness.
How do I store matcha granola bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. You can also freeze them individually wrapped for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, simply use a plant-based protein source and substitute honey with maple syrup. This will maintain the sweetness while catering to vegan dietary preferences.
What type of oats should I use?
For this dish, rolled oats are ideal as they provide the right texture and chewiness. Avoid instant oats, as they can become mushy. Steel-cut oats can work, but need longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when they are slightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely before cutting, as they will set further while cooling, achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These easy matcha oat bars high protein are a delightful blend of chewy goodness and comforting flavors. Fresh out of the oven, the aroma will wrap around you like a warm hug. Trust me, you’ll love how these bars turn out perfect for snacking or sharing with family during movie night!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or a sprinkle of chia seeds for an extra crunch. If you want to store them, wrapping each bar in plastic wrap helps maintain that lovely chewiness a trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen! They’re great for a quick energy boost when you need it.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you made something similar? Share your creations in the comments or tag me on social media! Don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved ones food brings us together, after all. Happy baking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
