If you’re looking for a delicious, plant-based snack that’s high in protein, easy to make, and budget-friendly, these cranberry pumpkin seed red lentil granola bars are your answer! Packed with wholesome ingredients like red lentils, oats, cranberries, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sweetened with maple syrup, these bars are perfect for an energy boost or post-workout snack. Plus, they keep well in the freezer, making them ideal for meal prep or a quick on-the-go bite. Let’s dive into the key benefits of the powerhouse ingredients in these bars!
The Nutritional Powerhouses Behind the Bars
1. Red Lentils: You might not immediately think of red lentils as a granola bar ingredient, but they add a ton of value! Red lentils are rich in plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full longer. They’re also loaded with iron, which can be a challenge to get on a vegan diet. By incorporating red lentils into your granola bars, you’re not only boosting the protein content but also creating a satisfying, chewy texture.
2. Oats and Oat Flour: Oats are the foundation of any good granola bar, and for good reason. They’re a fantastic source of fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which supports heart health and keeps cholesterol in check. Oat flour, which you can easily make by blending oats, adds extra fiber and acts as a natural binder. Both oats and oat flour are budget-friendly and widely available, making these bars an economical choice.
3. Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a tangy sweetness to these bars, complementing the other ingredients perfectly. They’re also a good source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and phytonutrients, which help reduce inflammation and support immune health. For an added bonus, opt for unsweetened or low-sugar cranberries to keep the bars naturally sweetened.
4. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have antioxidant properties. When ground, flaxseeds also work as an excellent egg substitute in vegan baking, helping to bind the ingredients together while adding a mild nutty flavor.
5. Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are loaded with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron. They give these bars a delightful crunch and boost the overall protein content, making them an ideal addition for a well-rounded snack.
6. Cinnamon: Cinnamon not only enhances the flavor of these bars with its warm, comforting notes, but it also comes with numerous health benefits. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is full of antioxidants.
7. Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness, maple syrup is a great choice. It’s a minimally processed sweetener that provides essential minerals like zinc and manganese, along with a smooth, rich flavor. Just a little bit goes a long way, keeping the bars naturally sweet without relying on refined sugars.
High Protein and Budget-Friendly
These bars pack a serious protein punch, thanks to the combination of red lentils, flaxseeds, oats, and pumpkin seeds. Each ingredient brings its own unique set of nutrients, making this snack not only high in protein but also full of fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. With affordable ingredients like oats, lentils, and seeds, this recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly—perfect for anyone looking to eat well without overspending.
Easy to Make and Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about these cranberry pumpkin seed red lentil granola bars is how easy they are to make. Simply cook the lentils, mix them with your dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and press everything into a baking dish. Bake until golden, cut into bars, and you’re done!
These bars also store beautifully. They keep well in the fridge for up to a week, or you can pop them in the freezer where they’ll last for months. This makes them an ideal option for meal prep—just grab a bar when you need a quick, nutritious snack, and you’re good to go!
These high-protein cranberry pumpkin seed red lentil granola bars are a perfect example of how nutritious, plant-based snacks can be both easy to make and budget-friendly. With the health benefits of red lentils, oats, cranberries, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds, they offer a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them ideal for busy weeks. Try them out, and enjoy a snack that’s as delicious as it is nourishing!
Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Red Lentil Granola Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup ground flax seed
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ⅔ cup nut butter
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup or more for a sweeter bar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add the red lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the lentils are tender.Most of the liquid should be absorbed. If there is a lot drain them.
- Preheat oven 350 degrees F. and line a 9 x13 dish with parchment paper.
- While the lentils are cooking add the remaining ingredients to a large bowl. Add the cooked lentils and stir together until everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch. Edges should be lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly then cut into bars. Store the bars in an airtight container for 2-3 days or wrap individually and freeze.
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