A simple, delicious grain free trail mix blondie bar made with dried fruit, nuts, honey/coconut sugar, and nut butter! Naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for travel, snacks, breakfast, or a healthy dessert alternative!
Raise your hand if this week kicked your butt? Raise your hand if you are so glad it’s Friday? Raise your hand if could really go for a treat right now?
I have all three hands raised. Okay two but you get my point. Phew, this week was long! But I’m glad we tackled it with my FUEL WEEK theme. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Just check out Mondays’ Breakfast FUEL and Wednesday Electrolyte drink FUEL.
Well, today’s FUEL recipe is all about the snacks and desserts; gluten free of course!
If you’re like us, summer has you running around like CRAZY! And in the midst of running around there’s till training and travel and races and hopefully a vacation at some point. Haha. Needless to say, snacks or healthy dessert bars for FUEL are great to have on hand. I usually make all our travel snacks/dessert bars with natural sugars and always gluten free and/or grain free. I know, here we go again with the grain free talk. But here’s the thing, when you are traveling or just more active than usual, that could cause a little more “stress” on the body. Or rather, more free radicals are produced in the body. The best way to help fight those free radicals and inflammation (stress) is by eating REAL food; preferably real food that your body can digest well. Yes yes, there is a time and place for decadent sweets and treats. I will not deny that. But if you’re looking to keep that immune system in tip top shape while you travel, then focusing on simple wholesome REAL food will surely help! And for us, grain free or gluten free is a must. But dang, I’ve been eating gluten free since 2009 so I don’t really remember what gluten taste like. LOL! Although, I still swoon over the yeast rolls at Christmas … sigh. Anyways, I digress.
Okay back to my post here –> gluten free, grain free, it doesn’t have to be taste free. HA! It can be me delicious! And with SIMPLE ingredients.
That being said, I just might be tricking your mind with these bars… um, I mean blondies. You might just think they are the real deal.
Blondies are basically brownies without the chocolate. In fact, they use brown sugar instead of chocolate, which helps give it that molasses flavoring. My recipe uses a combo of honey and/or coconut sugar and nut butter as the “melted chocolate” part. So you see, it taste like a handful of your favorite trail mix (snack/fuel) but also like a chewy crumbly dessert bar. Oh heavens, enough of me describing it, let me just show you the recipe. And p.s. I have a “frosting” that you can add on top. Keep reading!
The optional frosting is quite simple. Just place 2 tbsp peanut flour in a zip lock bag with 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey. Mix and squeeze the bag until blended.
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Easy Grain Free Trail Mix Blondies with Honey Peanut Butter Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Easy Grain Free Trail Mix Blondies with Honey Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup creamy nut butter of choice (we used Nuttzo) But a honey flavored peanut butter works great too!
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup coconut flour (to make grain free) or gluten free flour of choice if you don’t need them to be grain free.
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extra
- 1/3 cup honey or coconut sugar
- Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp egg white powder or 1 egg white liquid (for extra fluff and it is optional)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit and nut mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients. Mix well. Pour batter into greased baking or brownie pan (9×9). Baking for 15 to 17 minutes. Check the center before removing. Should be clean when inserted with knife.
- Top with extra coconut and honey peanut frosting if desired. See recipe below or in notes for frosting recipe.
Notes
Peanut frosting – OPTIONAL
The optional frosting is quite simple. Just place 2 tbsp peanut flour in a zip lock bag with 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey. Mix and squeeze the bag until blended.
Then cut the corner of the bag (just a little snip) and squeeze over the blondies like below.
Then cut the corner of the bag (just a little snip) and squeeze over the blondies like below.
See, homemade frosting! You can use a vanilla protein powder if your don’t have peanut flour but it might be a little gritty.
Well, that’s it for FUEL week! I hope you like this last recipe, which of course I saved for last because it’s one of my FAVORITE! And let me know if you try any of this weeks recipes, ok?
What recipes do you make gluten free or grain free? You know I am up for making more!
Favorite type of dessert bar?
Cheers to FUEL FRIDAY!
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Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
July 17, 2015 at 5:59 AMCoconut sugar is my favorite lately. I was so excited for these after seeing the picture yesterday!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
July 17, 2015 at 6:00 AMWhy do I feel like every week kicks my butt?!?! Thank goodness for the weekend and real food!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
July 17, 2015 at 6:20 AMGosh I am such a sucker for a good energy bar. You can NEVER have too many. These look awesome. And I kinda think they are the perfect snack to make for my camping trip next week!! Trail mix=camping necessity. PINNED!
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
July 17, 2015 at 6:37 AMYum! I have had a pretty relaxing week, but I am always up for a yummy treat. I love the simple ingredient list here, they look so good.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
July 17, 2015 at 6:38 AMI was JUST telling Caleb that I have NEVER had a blondie.
WHAT THE WHAT? I know, I’m missing out!
Clearly, I need to start here because I am drooling over these babies! Pinned!
Cotter Crunch says
July 17, 2015 at 6:40 AMi think you should try grilling one… just sayin
Liz S. says
July 17, 2015 at 6:39 AMBlondies are my FAVORITE baked good ever. This recipe is amazing.
★★★★★
Blair says
July 17, 2015 at 6:54 AMYum!!! I think I NEED these for snack today. What a delicious little bar of goodness. That peanut butter on top is mandatory. 🙂
Pinned!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
July 17, 2015 at 7:29 AMThese look amazing! And that peanut frosting sounds like the best part:)
SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe) says
July 17, 2015 at 7:31 AMLinds.
I need this.
Come and bring it to me!!! I have the biggest weakness for blond(ie)s and trail mix. I hope you do too! ;D
Sarah says
July 17, 2015 at 7:43 AMYum! These look delicious.
meredith@ Cookie ChRUNicles says
July 17, 2015 at 8:23 AMLove blondies 🙂 and I love that I have all of these ingredients!!
She Rocks Fitness says
July 17, 2015 at 8:29 AMI have all the ingredients EXCEPT for the dried fruit! I’ll pick some up at Trader Joe’s this weekend…AND YES this week was flipping long and exhausting…Can’t wait to chat with you! xoxo
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
July 17, 2015 at 8:38 AMLove this! Such an ideal combination of ingredients in a handy size bar for snacking on, whilst climbing the mountains here in Scotland! Thank you! 😀
★★★★★
Liz says
July 17, 2015 at 8:42 AMOh yes… this is getting made ASAP!! Holy deliciousness!!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
July 17, 2015 at 10:21 AMThese look like a perfect snack or dessert! Love that you used plantain flour, I need to get me some of that!!! and that peanut frosting though…… perfection 🙂
Laur says
July 17, 2015 at 10:58 AMHow bad are your symptoms and how long do they last if you eat gluten or traces of it? My brother’s girlfriend always takes gluten things home or eats them on holidays (like your beloved rolls) because she said it’s once a year of delicious suffering haha!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:48 AMyes, about the same. I don’t eat the rolls unless i have 2 days off the next days after! But sometimes it’s worth it. Other times it’s not. LOL!
Megan @ Skinny fitalicious says
July 17, 2015 at 11:01 AMYumo-O! I’ll have 10. PS where do you find plantain flour? I have yet to see it anywhere.
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:46 AMi found 2 on amazon. It’s been great to bake with!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
July 17, 2015 at 11:42 AMWe need these today! Vegas’ stomach has been upset for a few days. I’ve been spoon feeding her coconut oil. She’s so tolerant of me and my “cures”…
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:47 AMpoor vegas. All that spoiling you spoiled her tummy haha
Megan says
July 17, 2015 at 12:06 PMHands raised to all three too! These look like the perfect treat to make at the end of a long week. I’m going hiking this weekend too, so what better snack to bring than trail mix bars?
★★★★★
Megan says
July 17, 2015 at 12:08 PMAlso I have to say that I love how you throw in info on why you use certain ingredients in your recipes and what makes them good for you.. as a future RD I love knowing this stuff and wish other blogs posted about the actual nutrition more often!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:46 AMwell I am so glad. I feel like it’s needed. And I want people to ENJOY all the nourishment, ya know?
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
July 17, 2015 at 12:18 PMThe past few weeks have totally kicked my butt! These look delish! Enjoy the weekend!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:49 AMwe need a weekend that’s 5 days long now. haha
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
July 17, 2015 at 1:01 PMFree radical fighting and filled with delicious peanut butter? Sign me up. These are perfect for all the hiking I’ve been doing between marathon training runs!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:48 AMyes, perfect for both! I think you’d love it laura!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
July 17, 2015 at 2:27 PMOk so adding trial mix to a blondie recipe is the perfect use for trail mix. I usually can’t stop eating trailmix on it’s own. But adding it to a healthy recipe like this would be perfect!!!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:45 AMit’s a summer thing… ALL THE SNACKING haha
Alanna says
July 17, 2015 at 3:12 PMI haven’t even tried these yet but I know they are far from taste free 😉 These are the snack bars of my dreams. Can’t wait to try these!!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:45 AMlet me know if you do or if you add anything. I bet you’d make these even more fab!
Jody - Fit at 57 says
July 17, 2015 at 3:17 PMI don’t make anything gluten or grain free but sign me up for those – meaning you make & I eat!!! 🙂 Holy yumminess!!!!
AND I so get the stress of the week & honestly life in general!!!!
Headed to IDEA World tomorrow!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:44 AMhave fun at IDEA world! can’t wait to stalk you on IG! haha
Katie says
July 17, 2015 at 3:32 PMThree hands SO HIGH in the air right now!! This week….man.
The only saving grace is the watermelon-lime shrub cocktail that I’m sitting next to right now. HAPPY HOUR, indeed.
Now, if you could bring me a plate of these blondies, my day would be complete!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:44 AMseriously, why are we not neighbors? gah
hEATHER @ fitASPIRE says
July 17, 2015 at 5:03 PMAh – these look SO yummy!! Great for backpacking trips – want to ship me a batch? 😉 Or deliver them in person and join us!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:49 AMmore than ever! its so hot here. I miss you and CO!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
July 17, 2015 at 5:10 PMSeriously. I will pay you to ship me a box of backed goods. Like one of everything you make. I am just not this talented and dang girl!!!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:34 AMi’ll pack my bags! 😉
Lisa @ RunWi says
July 17, 2015 at 5:12 PMLooks delicious! Like something I would pack for a road trip to eat in the car or as a post long run snack.
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:22 AMyep, thought of you! grainfree goddess!!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
July 17, 2015 at 6:32 PMThis is one of those bars I would love to wrap up and put in my bike jersey to eat on a long ride…looks wonderful!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:21 AMyes totally!! that was my thinking
Kate @KateMovingForward says
July 17, 2015 at 8:54 PMWow! This look crazy good! I’m going to put on my list to make for next week snacking. I’m really trying to get on this “food prep” wagon–this will be great motivation to start! 😀
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:21 AMhaha you are better than me. I have yet to food prep. But let me know if you try these!
Kierston says
July 18, 2015 at 5:18 AMYum. Great photos too 🙂
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 7:49 AMthanks friend! miss you and how are you?!
KaRa {MaineGirl2Runs} says
July 18, 2015 at 9:01 AMI’m so looking forward to baking and freezing so many of your healthy and delicious recipes to start the school year! I love blondies!
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 3:07 PMyay, keep me posted on what you make and how it turns out. Or if you need subs!
Molly Rose says
July 18, 2015 at 2:06 PMthese look so yum!! pb + honey is one of my favorite combos.
Cotter Crunch says
July 18, 2015 at 3:06 PMmine too!
Jess says
July 18, 2015 at 3:34 PMYour blog just goes from strength to strength! Stunning pictures!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
July 18, 2015 at 3:44 PMNot taste-free? Are you sure? Because I think I might need 1 or 2 to see for myself. Actually, better make that half the pan… just to be sure 😛 These look and sound amazing <3
Jess @hellotofit says
July 18, 2015 at 6:22 PMGahhh I need these! And I think I have all of the ingredients, too. I’m always a fan of snacking on real, whole foods 🙂 great recipe, my friend!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
July 19, 2015 at 3:46 AMLindsay, these are just genius! I made some blondies a few posts back and they were good but just so ridiculously sweet. I knew others would like them, but a bit too sweet for me, really.
I’m absolutely stunned (in a good way) that you replaced the sugar with honey in these. And that glaze … ingenius, too!
Going to pin, share and save these for later, Lindsay. Thank you!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
July 19, 2015 at 7:43 AMI love the refuel week, and these blondies are no exception.
I’ve been on a blogging break and it’s been pretty fantastic. I had a lot going on in my personal life and I knew to try and blog through it would deplete me, so I didn’t and I’m so glad for it. And this week, I am officially on vacation. Hooray. I’m doing not a whole lot today and tomorrow (relaxing, blueberry picking, some odds and ends around the house) and then I plan to meet my family in Canada for a few days of good eats, good food, great company and lots of beach time. You should join us. We’re a lively, yet restful bunch.
Cotter Crunch says
July 19, 2015 at 7:37 PMYou are so smart. Although I missed you, I get that! I’ll be packing my bags to come visit you in Canada, eh?
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
July 19, 2015 at 9:57 AMI work part time as a visiting nurse and these would be perfect for when I’m on the run and need refueling in between patients!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 12:17 AMYum. Love the ingredients in these! I also prefer to make all our homemade bars/treats. Would much rather have the ingredients that work best for us. Making these to put in the freezer to help me get through the next month! Only 3 weeks (maybe less) until the baby arrives! I will be needing fuel.
★★★★★
Cotter Crunch says
July 21, 2015 at 7:19 PMYay!! Baby fuel!
Julie | Small Green Kitchen says
July 21, 2015 at 8:35 AMI’m over here raising my hand wishing it was Friday! Only 3 more days to go and I cannot wait! 🙂 I also wish I had one of these stunning blondies right now. They’re perfect, Lindsay!
Cotter Crunch says
July 21, 2015 at 3:42 PMyou and me both! gah, i need friday every day! LOL!
Natalie says
July 23, 2015 at 1:37 AMThese look beautiful! I love that they are perfect for travel snacks.
Pinning these beauties! 🙂