Diabetes-Friendly Crunchy Granola Bar Recipe

Perfect for a snack, post-workout boost, or extended breakfast, this diabetes-friendly crunchy granola bar recipe brings sweetness without the extra calories. Enjoy the natural goodness of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in these deliciously satisfying bars!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (steel-cut oats preferred)
• ½ cup almond flour (or substitute with oat flour, sunflower seed flour, or coconut flour)
• ¼ cup nuts of choice (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 75g dried cranberries or cherries, chopped
• ½ cup sugarcane syrup or coconut sugar (or 4 tbsp peanut or almond butter)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil, asli ghee, or clarified butter
• ¼ cup milk (optional, only if ingredients feel dry)
• 1-2 dates for sweetening or ½ tsp stevia

Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Making the Mixture

3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients: rolled oats, almond flour, nuts, coconut, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut/almond butter with oil until it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency.

Combining Ingredients

5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. If it seems too dry, add ¼ cup milk until the mixture holds together.

Baking the Bars

6. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan, spreading it into the corners.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing into squares. This recipe makes about 12 bars.

Tips for Customizing Your Granola Bars

• Experiment with Ingredients: Switch up the nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices to suit your taste.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, add a drizzle of melted, sugar-free chocolate on top.
• Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 5 days.

Serving Suggestion

Pair your granola bar with a cup of unsweetened coffee or tea for a balanced, filling snack or small meal. Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts per Serving (1 Bar)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~5g (from dried fruit and dates)
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~13g
• Saturated Fat: ~2g
• Sodium: ~70mg

Bonus Tip: With its mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this crunchy granola bar recipe is perfect for helping manage blood sugar levels while keeping you satisfied.

If you’re interested in more diabetes-friendly recipes, check out our YouTube channel, Diabetes Telecare, for delicious meals and helpful tips on managing your health through food. Enjoy your culinary journey!