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Seedy Cherry-Quinoa Bars

These seedy cherry and quinoa bars are the ultimate homemade snack for those seeking a nutritious, plant-based energy boost. By toasting raw quinoa along with chopped almonds and sunflower seeds, you achieve a delightful crunch and a deep, nutty flavour that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the fruit. This vegan recipe relies on a smooth purée of tart dried cherries and brown rice syrup to bind the ingredients, creating a chewy texture without the need for refined sugars or butter.

Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, these bars are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle. They are sturdy enough to be tucked into a school lunchbox or a gym bag, yet feel indulgent enough to enjoy with a cup of tea. Prepare a batch over the weekend to ensure you have a satisfying, wholesome snack ready for the busy week ahead.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Seedy Cherry-Quinoa Bars

  • 150g chopped almonds, toasted

  • 70g rinsed raw quinoa

  • 35g raw pumpkin seeds

  • 35g raw sunflower seeds

  • 240ml dried tart cherries

  • 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup

  • 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • One 8x8" baking pan, Parchment paper

How to make Seedy Cherry-Quinoa Bars

Coat 8x8" baking pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray; line with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides. Toast 150g chopped almonds, 70g rinsed raw quinoa, 35g raw pumpkin seeds, and 35g raw sunflower seeds on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350° oven, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 10–12 minutes. Let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 200°. Process 190g dried tart cherries, 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup, 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in toasted almond mixture. Press firmly into prepared pan and bake until no longer sticky, 20–25 minutes. Let cool, then cut into bars.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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