Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars

Granola Barstitle

As a child I was never much of a sandwich girl, but I always looked forward to the satisfying crunch and variety of flavors of a good granola bar inside my lunchbox! Nowadays, I still enjoy a great granola bar but prefer to make my own to avoid any unnecessary additives, refined sugars or artificial flavors.

A granola bar is  a convenient grab and go snack or dessert option that you can pack full of hearty, wholesome ingredients to keep your energy stable and satisfy your hunger. This version is soft, moist and has the right amount of satisfying texture. They are easy to throw together and pack well.

Coconut Cashew Granola Bars Pinterest My Simple | Pure | WholeTM Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars are gluten-free and egg-free and can be made nut-free, dairy-free and vegan with a few modifications! They pack a good balance of carbohydrates and protein without too much added sugar to provide sustained energy without a crash. They are a welcome addition to any lunchbox or as a quick breakfast, dessert or snack. This recipe also makes a nice post-workout recovery mini-meal since it has a good amount of protein and is low in added sugar.

Granolabaringredients6These bars combine the flavors of coconut, cashews and fresh ginger  for a tropical flair with a comforting burst of cinnamon. Add a pinch of cardamom for a burst of extra spice flavor.  If your kids are not big fans of ginger you can substitute fresh organic lemon or orange zest for a fresh, light taste.

Quinoa flakes have a similar texture to rolled oats and provide the nutritional benefits of quinoa such as added protein. Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that can act like a culinary grain. It provides all nine essential amino acids along with fiber and a variety of minerals. If you cannot find quinoa flakes, you can substitute gluten-free rolled oats.

Cashews add a creamy, almost buttery flavor along with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Approximately 75% of their unsaturated fatty acid content is oleic acid which has been shown to help reduce high triglyceride levels. They also provide magnesium and calcium for healthy bones and nerve function. If you need a nut-free option, you can easily swap out the cashews for sunflower, hemp or other seeds so everyone can enjoy them.

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To add more protein without lots of added refined sugar, I used Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr in this recipe since it has 3-4 times the amount of protein as regular yogurts and is low in added sugars. It is made from milk of cows that have never been treated with growth hormones and does not contain additives, artificial sweeteners or thickeners. One standard 5.3oz container of the vanilla flavor I used here contains 14 grams of protein and only 9 grams of sugar. You could also use a strained coconut milk yogurt for a vegan option, but it will not be as high in protein.

Coconut Cashew granola bars

These Simple | Pure | WholeTM Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars are hearty, chewy and crunchy with real food nutrition to get you or your child through a busy afternoon. I love to pack one in my non-toxic lunchbox for a busy day on the go or take them along as a filling hiking snack!

Coconut CashewGranola Bars

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What is your favorite granola bar flavor? Did you have a special go-to lunchbox snack as a child?

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This post was shared with: Summer Family Fun PartyCreate and ShareTwo Cup Tuesday, Crafty & Delicious Party, Full Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Weekend RetreatGluten-Free Friday, Friday’s Five FeaturesReal Food FridaysMotivation Monday, Meatless Monday from The Fit Food Mama, Meatless Monday with Tina MuirMonday FundayMade by You Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday’s TableHealthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop, Fat Tuesday, Tell Em TuesdayWaste Not Want Not WednesdayTip Tuesday, Allergy-Free WednesdayA Little Bird Told Me, Gluten-Free Recipe Fix Carnival

Comments

  • Deborah Davis
    Reply

    What child ( or adult) would not want to have these in his or her lunch box! I would! Thank you so much for sharing these healthy and delicious Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.

  • Debbie
    Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe, Jennifer.
    It is so easy. I will surely give it a try one of these.
    #TipTuesday

  • Annmarie
    Reply

    Love the combo of coconut and cashews! These look delish- thanks so much for linking up!

  • Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
    Reply

    ooh I like the rice crispies in here! Thanks for joining us for Meatless Monday today

  • Miz Helen
    Reply

    I love Granola Bars, these look so good! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great day.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  • Tina muir
    Reply

    These sound lovely. I love that you added ginger in there to help with recovery, these are packed with nutrition. Just what I need right now 🙂

    • Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE

      Thank you Tina for stopping by and for hosting Meatless Monday! I love the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger along with the fresh zing it adds! I hope you enjoy them 🙂

  • Marla
    Reply

    Hi Dr Jennifer,
    Love your granola bar recipe – filled with health and they sound delicious. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.

  • Chrissa – Physical Kitchness
    Reply

    Oh yummy! I love all the goodness you packed in to these ‘lil bars. And I have a big jar of cardamon that I’m wondering what I can do with. Can’t wait to try these!
    http://www.physicalkitchness.com

    • Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE

      Thanks Chrissa! I love the unique flavor that cardamom adds especially with the flavor profiles of coconut and cashew. I hope you enjoy them!