Beananza Bars

August 13, 2010
Posted in: Recipes

These granola-like whole grain bars make a great grab and go snack or a quick breakfast.

Makes about 32 2-inch brownies

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup natural wheat and barley cereal (Grape Nuts)
  • 1 can (15 ounces each) Pinto or Great Northern beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged pinto or Great Northern beans, rinsed, well drained, coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup dark raisins
  • 3/4 cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
  • 7 tablespoons melted margarine
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cereal, beans, raisins, dates, coconut, and walnuts. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Press mixture evenly into greased 13×9 inch baking pan.
  3. Bake until bars are browned and firm to touch in center, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.
TIPS:
  • 1 2/3 cups low fat granola cereal can be substituted for oats and natural wheat and barley cereal.
  • Use a pastry cutter to chop beans quickly and easily.