No Bake Yerba Mate Granola Bars

These easy no-bake granola bars are filled with wholesome ingredients and topped with a sweet Yerba Mate tea glaze. Perfect with a cup of tea for breakfast or a snack! Thanks to Argentinian Yerba Mate for sponsoring this post.

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I Like My Tea Strong!

You guys know I’m a big tea drinker, and I’ve been enjoying working with Argentine Yerba Mate this year. Not only am I enjoying it as a tea, but I’ve been experimenting with the flavors in smoothies, oatmeal, and even sorbet! I like it brewed in a French press with a bit of honey added, so it seemed like a good match for these honey nut granola bars. Since this recipe uses the yerba mate in the glaze, you’ll want to brew a stronger cup to make the flavor stand out.

About Yerba Mate

Argentine Yerba Mate is a rich source of antioxidants (with levels even higher than green tea!) and drinking it boosts your intake of B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, and manganese. Studies have shown that yerba mate may help protect the liver, aid in digestion, and increase fat oxidation. It has a flavor profile similar to green tea with an earthy finish, and pairs well with a bit of sweetness.

How To Make Bars

This no-bake granola recipe has a base of toasted oats, nuts and seeds. I used walnuts, almonds, chia and pumpkin seeds, but other nuts and seeds would be great, too (cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, etc.). You can sub in what you have on hand.

After measuring out your ingredients, you’ll melt together some honey and almond butter – the “glue” of the granola bar. Once the two are mixed together, add to a bowl, then stir in the dry ingredients.

The mixture may look crumbly at first (like granola), but continue incorporating until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. Then add the granola mixture to your pan and firmly press everything in (this is important for making them stick together!).

Cover, then place in the fridge for at least an hour to cool and harden up. Once the bars feel firm, remove and cut with a sharp knife– use whatever size you like!

Finally, mix the brewed Yerba Mate tea with powdered sugar to create the tea glaze. Drizzle on top for a sweet + earthy touch!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – the bars will continue to firm up in the fridge.

The Recipe

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5 from 4 votes

Easy Energy Bars

These easy energy bars are filled with healthy whole grains, nuts and seeds. No cooking required!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword gluten free, healthy snacks, no cook, oats

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Refrigeration Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings 10 bars

Calories 288kcal

Ingredients

Granola Bars

• 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup almond butter see notes
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• pinch of salt

Instructions

• Line an 8x8” pan with parchment paper.
• Toast oats in a dry skillet for 8-10 minutes (until fragrant). Mix with nuts and seeds in a large bowl.
• Meanwhile heat a saucepan over medium and add honey and almond butter. Once the mixture starts bubbling slightly, remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add in the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The mixture may look dry at first but continue to press everything together with a wood spoon or spatula. Add a spoonful of almond butter if your mixture looks too dry.
• Press the mixture firmly into the parchment lined pan (this is key to sticking together!). Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
• Cut into bars.

Notes

• There are so many types of nut butter on the market these days! I use and recommend the 365 brand almond butter that is "drippy" and requires stirring. If you use one that is too thick, your bars might not hold together. 
• Be sure to push firmly into the pan and allow the bars to chill for the full hour. Do not let them come back to room temperature before cutting.

You can find Argentine Yerba Mate at speciality tea shops, Whole Foods, or on Amazon. Thanks to Argentine Yerba Mate for sponsoring this post!