Lavender Honey Almond Bars are not just a tasty treat; they also come packed with numerous health benefits. These delightful bars combine the sweetness of honey, the nuttiness of almonds, and the calming essence of lavender. Together, they create a snack that’s both satisfying and good for you. Let’s explore some of the amazing benefits of these bars.
What You’ll Need for Lavender Honey Almond Bars
Complete Ingredients List
- Rolled oats – 2 cups (about 180 g)
- Sliced almonds – 1 cup (about 100 g)
- Honey – 1/2 cup (about 170 g)
- Dried lavender – 2 tablespoons (culinary grade)
- Coconut oil – 1/4 cup (about 60 ml), melted
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (about 5 ml)
- Sea salt – 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.5 g)
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several substitutions you can make for Lavender Honey Almond Bars. For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. If you’re allergic to nuts, consider using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of almonds. Additionally, you can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
How to Make Lavender Honey Almond Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, dried lavender, and sea salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and the mixture is sticky.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, making sure it is compact.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Cool
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Cut into Bars
Once cooled, cut the mixture into rectangular bars or squares, depending on your preference.
Step 9: Serve
Enjoy these Lavender Honey Almond Bars as a nutritious snack or a delightful addition to your breakfast. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions for Lavender Honey Almond Bars
How to Serve Lavender Honey Almond Bars
These bars can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. For an elegant presentation, consider slicing them into uniform pieces and arranging them on a platter. You can also drizzle a little extra honey on top for added sweetness.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
Lavender Honey Almond Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk. For an extra touch, top them with fresh berries or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced snack or breakfast option.
Storing & Preserving Lavender Honey Almond Bars
Best Storage Methods
To keep your Lavender Honey Almond Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but for longer storage, consider refrigerating them.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
If you want to enjoy your bars warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. For longer preservation, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips for Perfect Lavender Honey Almond Bars Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
One common mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan, which can lead to crumbly bars. Ensure you pack the mixture tightly for the best texture. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars.
Helpful Tricks for Success
For added flavor, consider toasting the sliced almonds before mixing them in. This enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the bars. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the wet ingredients.
Fun Variations of Lavender Honey Almond Bars
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Feel free to get creative with your Lavender Honey Almond Bars! You can add ingredients like dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless possibilities.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make Lavender Honey Almond Bars vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. For a gluten-free version, ensure that the rolled oats are certified gluten-free. You can also experiment with nut-free options by using seeds instead of almonds.
FAQs
What If My Lavender Honey Almond Bars Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your bars crumble or don’t hold together, it may be due to insufficient binding from the wet ingredients. Make sure to mix thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the pan. If they are too dry, consider adding a bit more honey or coconut oil next time.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Absolutely! Lavender Honey Almond Bars can be made in advance and stored for up to a week at room temperature or longer in the fridge or freezer. This makes them a great option for meal prep or on-the-go snacks.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option, and replace sliced almonds with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Additionally, feel free to add or substitute dried fruits or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Print
Lavender Honey Almond Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lavender Honey Almond Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack combining the sweetness of honey, the nuttiness of almonds, and the calming essence of lavender.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats – 2 cups (about 180 g)
- Sliced almonds – 1 cup (about 100 g)
- Honey – 1/2 cup (about 170 g)
- Dried lavender – 2 tablespoons (culinary grade)
- Coconut oil – 1/4 cup (about 60 ml), melted
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (about 5 ml)
- Sea salt – 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.5 g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, dried lavender, and sea salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly and evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into bars or squares once cooled.
- Enjoy as a nutritious snack or breakfast addition.
Notes
- For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Lavender Honey Almond Bars, healthy snack, nutritious bars, homemade bars