No-Bake Maple-Nut Granola Topping

I saw this recipe link for a clean eating granola bar (from the site ~ Reboot with Joe) on my Facebook feed  and was intrigued.   So much so, that I went right into my kitchen at midnight (what can I say, I'm a night owl!) and made a batch.  I didn't have all the ingredients that were called for, so I used what I had on hand. (sound familiar?)  

I was thoroughly impressed with the taste, but was unable to get it to set-up properly, it just would not hold a bar shape. :(  So, instead of a bar I turned it into ~ No-Bake Maple-Nut Granola Topping.  It makes a perfect, crumbled crunch that is excellent over yogurt or ice cream.  What a tasty, clean-eating snack treat!  There are so many flavor/ingredient variations that you could do, the possibilities are endless.  I'm sorry that the recipe didn't work out as planned, but so happy that I've got a new superfood creation to top my morning yogurt with. :)  Enjoy! 

 

No-Bake Maple-Nut Granola Topping
adapted from this recipe 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats 
• 1/2 cup oat bran 
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 
• 1/4 cup carob chips (or raisins, or cacao nibs, or chocolate chips ~ or a mix ~ I used a 1/4 cup mix of carob chips, raisins & cacao nibs)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup 
• 3 Tbsp chia seeds 
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (or a 1/2 tsp mix of spices like I did ~ cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice & cardamom) 
• a dash of salt 

Directions

Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap.  Add all ingredients to bowl and mix well.  Spread mixture into pan and press down firmly, using the back of a spoon.  Cover with plastic wrap and allow to set-up for at least an hour in the fridge.  When firm, crumble and store in an air tight container in the fridge. Best when eaten while still chilled.