When Ben was first born two and a half months ago I prepared a simple batch of no-bake lactation cookies. With ingredients like oats, flax seeds and brewer’s yeast, they were a natural way for my body to keep up with the needs of a hungry baby. When I went to make a second batch, I realized I was out of a few ingredients. So, I improvised and came up with a totally new – yet equally as delicious – recipe.
I put the word “lactation” in parenthesis because nursing mothers are not the only people who can enjoy these granola bars. They are tasty and portable for all members of the family. Even my manly husband – the Army Captain/cross-fitter – can have one without worrying he’ll start lactating – ha!
Homemade Coconut Almond (Lactation) Granola Bars
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup almond butter (homemade almond butter is super easy to make)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (here’s how I make homemade vanilla extract)
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Combine the brown sugar, coconut oil and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until ingredients are combined and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in almond butter and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, brewer’s yeast, flax seeds, almonds and coconut. Slowly pour in warm sugar mixture and stir until dry ingredients are coated. Pour into a greased 8×8 square pan. Pat down using the back of a spoon or bottom of a glass. Cool in the fridge for a couple hours. Slice.
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Funny! I was just looking to make my second batch of lactation cookies and had the same problem – out of some but not all of the ingredients. Do you think I could still use the peanut butter in this recipe since I have that but not almond butter. Also, with my 1st batch of lactation cookies – I finally had to ask my husband if he could stop eating them and save them for me 🙂 They taste great are good on the go and are filling.
Yes, I think peanut butter would work perfectly fine. Seems like a pretty flexible recipe. So glad you (and your husband-ha!) are enjoying these treats! Have fun snuggling with your new little one!!
Do these need to be stored in the refrigerator because of the milk? I am making a big batch before a road trip and don’t have much room in the cooler. 🙂
I do store them in the fridge. However, I’m sure they’d be fine if they sat out for a couple hours.
Can these granola bars be frozen? If so, for how long??
I have never tried freezing them, but I’d guess they would hold up ok in the freezer for at least a couple months.