No Bake Granola Cakes
Author: 
Recipe type: Vegan, Gluten free, Dairy free
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 cakes
 
All the granola taste and texture in a convenient cake! These no bake cakes are perfect for after the gym with a plate of carrot sticks, or can double as a unique dessert for a dinner party.
Ingredients
  • ½ cup smooth almond butter
  • 2 3 tablespoon brown rice syrup, maple syrup, or honey – if honey is used, the recipe is no longer vegan*
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup almonds, chopped
  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut + extra for sprinkling
  • ⅓ cup quinoa flakes
  • 3 tablespoon ground flax seed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
Instructions
  1. Combine almond butter, rice syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil in a small sauce pan. Heat on medium low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until drippy/liquidy stirring every minute or so. Be sure it doesn’t burn!
  2. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Pour heated almond butter mixture into nuts and seeds bowl, and stir until all pieces are coated.
  4. Spoon mixture into large muffin liners or muffin tin [the mixture will be very clumpy and you will doubt that it will all hold together, but don’t worry… it will!], pressing down firmly on each one and flattening with hands.
  5. Sprinkle with coconut and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
Notes
This recipe can be made sweetener free by removing the brown rice syrup completely and replacing it with extra almond butter. I made a batch with no sweetener and it tasted fantastic!

Variation
Are you more in the mood for a cookie? No problem! Add:

¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce
To the mixture above.

Form into cookies, sprinkle with coconut and bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before eating.
Makes 12 cookies.
Recipe by Healthful Pursuit at https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2011/02/no-bake-granola-cakes/