Indulge in the wholesome goodness of our low-fat granola bars, crafted with the tantalizing crunch of hazelnuts. A perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, these bars are a guilt-free treat for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Low-Fat Bars with Mango, Hazelnut, and Ginger: A Healthful and Delicious Treat
Indulge in the delectable flavors of sweet and tangy mango, crunchy hazelnuts, and aromatic ginger with our wholesome and easy-to-make low-fat bars. These bars are not only a delightful treat but also a guilt-free snack that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary goals.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped dried mango
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the filling:
- 1 cup unsweetened mango purée
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
Preparing the crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with baking paper.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, hazelnuts, coconut, dried mango, honey, applesauce, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom to form a crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Making the filling:
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mango purée, hazelnuts, fresh ginger, honey, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and cardamom.
Once the crust is baked, remove from oven and spread the mango filling evenly over the crust.
Finalizing the bars:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly browned.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 bars.
Nutritional Analysis:
These Low-Fat Bars with Mango, Hazelnut, and Ginger provide a satisfying balance of essential nutrients:
- Calories: 150 per bar
- Fat: 5 grams per bar (less than 1 gram saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams per bar (10 grams of fiber)
- Protein: 3 grams per bar
- Sugar: 10 grams per bar (7 grams from natural sources)
Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Oats: Rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Hazelnuts: A source of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Coconut: Provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed and used for energy.
- Dried mango: A natural source of sweetness and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness and contains antioxidant properties.
- Fresh ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling, providing a satisfying texture.
- Cardamom: A fragrant spice that adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
Serving and Storage:
These Low-Fat Bars with Mango, Hazelnut, and Ginger can be enjoyed as a mid-afternoon snack, a pre- or post-exercise refuel, or a delightful treat to curb cravings.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe Variations:
For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the filling before baking.
To reduce sweetness, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey in the crust and filling.
Experiment with different dried fruits such as papaya, pineapple, or apricots in place of mango.
Conclusion:
Our Low-Fat Bars with Mango, Hazelnut, and Ginger offer a delicious and wholesome way to satisfy your cravings without guilt. They are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, contain minimal fat, and are incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you enjoy them on the go, as a post-exercise boost, or as a sweet treat, these bars will provide a burst of energy and flavor without compromising your dietary goals.
