Bunches of Love DIY Granola Favors

Today, we are featuring a tasty DIY that could be used as favors, as gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen or just a fun snack for everyday life. We call them bunches of love and you will be surprised to find that they can be made healthy too! These little bunches can be gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and can even be vegan (see instructions in parentheses).

 

Recipe adapted from Simply Gluten Free

¾ cup peanut butter (or sunbutter)

¼ cup honey (or agave)

½ cup coconut sugar, sucanat, or brown sugar

1 medium banana, peeled and mashed

½ cup butter (or ½ cup ground flaxseed mixed with 1 cup water - makes a paste)

1 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups certified gluten-free rolled oats (Bob’s Red Mill Oats are great!)

Up to 3 cups of additional ingredients like pumpkin seeds, walnuts + pecans, dried fruit, raisins, chocolate chips (or carob chips), sunflower seeds, etc.

Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray an 8x8 inch baking pan with a gluten-free, non-stick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, mashed banana, melted butter or flaxseed paste and vanilla until well combined. 

Stir in all of the remaining ingredients until everything is combined.  Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes (flax version will take 40-45 minutes). The edges should be golden brown when finished. 

Once they are done baking, let them cool completely and then let them stick them in the fridge for a few hours to firm up. Then you can cut them into squares, triangles, circles, whatever your heart desires! 

These will last 2-3 days at room temperature in plastic wrap or in the refrigerator for a week.

If you are using them for favors or gifts, here is a printable that we designed for you to use as well! You can punch a hole in the top.

You can wrap the bars in plastic wrap and then wrap them in a square piece of burlap. We used twine to secure the burlap and the cute tag.

Viola, a cute favor for your wedding day. These could be made in larger batches to accommodate however many guests you have and they are super easy to make!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you have any questions, leave a comment or email us! Thanks for reading!

 

♥ Ashley & Ellie