Flax & Quinoa Breakfast Bars

These Flax & Quinoa Breakfast Bars are a deliciously satisfying way to start your day. Combining the nutty flavor of flax meal, the wholesome goodness of quinoa flour, and the hearty texture of oat and millet flour, these bars are both chewy and crunchy. Enhanced with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon, they are not only vegan and gluten-free but also packed with fiber and protein, making them a perfect healthy snack or breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup quinoa flour
• 1/2 cup millet flour
• 1/4 cup flax meal
• 1/4 cup psyllium husks
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries or raisins)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oat flour, quinoa flour, millet flour, flax meal, psyllium husks, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken as the psyllium husks absorb moisture.
5. Fold in the mixed nuts, seeds, and dried fruits until evenly distributed.
6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.