“keen” on quinoa: nut and cherry bars

This is “sort” of a mash-up of my quinoa and “balls, bites & bars” series. Except these bars – though vegan and flourless – are baked, not raw.

cherry quinoa bars

Whatever – they are awesome and the perfect way to end this quinoa series (and provide a perfect Passover snack!).

I came across these bars in a recent Bon Appetit and loved how striking they looked – I just hoped that they’d taste as good.

cherry quinoa bars

And they do.

Signing off and wishing all of you a very happy holiday weekend!

cherry quinoa bars

Quinoa, Nut and Cherry Bars
adapted from Bon Appetit

1 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained (it does not have to be dry before using)
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup dried cherries (unsweetened if possible)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Pre-heat oven to 350 – spray an 8 x 8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with a parchment paper “sling”, leaving on overhang on two sides. Lightly spray again.

Spread the almonds, quinoa and both seeds on a baking sheet – bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool slightly; reduce oven to 200 degrees.

Place cherries, syrup, salt and 2 tablespoons of water in a food processor and process till well blended (add a bit more water if needed). Add to nut-seed mixture and stir till well combined. Transfer to your prepared pan and press firmly and evenly. Bake till no longer sticky, 30-40 minutes. Let cool completely in pan.

Using your “sling” as an aide, transfer bars to a cutting board – place in fridge and chill for several hours (or overnight). Cut into bars and serve (can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to two weeks).

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2015/04/03/keen-on-quinoa-nut-and-cherry-bars/

cherry quinoa bars

Want more quinoa?

Steak With Cauliflower Puree and Crispy Quinoa
Toasted Coconut, Quinoa & Oats Cereal
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Quinoa Breakfast Cookies

8 Comments

  1. Cece Leskova on April 4, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    These look wonderful!



    • sherisilver on April 5, 2015 at 8:22 am

      Thank you; let me know if you make them! 🙂



  2. michelle @ Boards&knives on April 4, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Yum! These bars look like they have a great texture!



    • sherisilver on April 5, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Thanks so much – they are the perfect crunchy-chewy combination!



  3. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen on April 5, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Yummy! Quinoa nut and cherry bars look gorgeous and delicious!



    • sherisilver on April 5, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks so much! I’ve just spent WAY too much time on your beautiful blog – so glad to know you! 🙂



  4. Ana on May 14, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    Hello!! These bars look wonderful and I’ve tried making them 3 times already but they always break, do you know why this could be? Thank you!! I love your blog!



    • sherisilver on May 15, 2015 at 7:40 am

      Thank you so much! These guys are delicate, for sure. I chill them for a long stretch and keep them in the fridge. Wrapping them individually as shown helps keep them together too. If you don’t want to fuss with the parchment paper you can keep them wrapped in plastic wrap. Let me know if this works! 🙂



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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!