Back to the grind! If you weren’t around yesterday, be sure to check out my post on becoming a “duathlete“! Yep, I finished. Just barely, but I did it!
I mentioned in my post yesterday that I probably wasn’t properly fueled at breakfast. Furthermore, I should’ve planned ahead and brought a snack for the second transition period, or better yet, to have had on my bike. Rookie mistakes.
When I got home, I remembered I had one of these delicious no-bake granola cakes left. I actually made these at the very end of April, and they’re just as good now as they were then (except now they’re gone!)! Just be sure to keep them in the fridge. Not only are these delicious, but they’re a great choice for pre and post workout fuel, or even to eat during. These are about 4 bites a piece, sweet and tasty, and most importantly, don’t sit heavy in your stomach.
Perfect for athletes, kids, and just to have on-hand as a quick, filling, nutritious and delicious snack or breakfast item! Mmm!
No-Bake Granola Cakes adapted from Healthful Pursuit
1/2 cup smooth almond butter
3 Tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut, shredded
Directions:
Combine almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil in a small sauce pan. Heat on medium low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until combined, stirring every minute or so.
Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients (except coconut) in a large bowl.
Pour heated almond butter mixture into nuts and seeds bowl, and stir until all pieces are coated.
Spoon mixture into large muffin liners or muffin tin, pressing down firmly on each one and flattening the tops.
Sprinkle with coconut and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. Keep refrigerated so they don’t get gooey. Yield: 12 cakes.
Nutrition Information (per cake): 170 calories; 13.7 g. fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 60 mg. sodium; 10.7 g. carbohydrate; 1.8 g. fiber; 3.4 g. protein
Result: These are soooo good! They don’t stay together well once coming to room temperature, so eat them directly from the fridge. They came together in 10 minutes and are the perfect snack or breakfast, packed with heart-healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats! Omega-3′s, too! Enjoy!
I slept like a BABY last night…not too surprising. Hockey went well and I’m sure the 2 beers afterwards with the guys helped me snooze, too….not that I needed it! And today I’m sore, but it’s not debilitating at all…I can just tell I did a lot yesterday!
Let’s start your Monday with a smile. Not to brag (okay, maybe a little!), but isn’t the cutest face??
Question: What’s your favorite snack lately?
P.S. The race website was updated with times late yesterday. My finish time was 2:11:48 and my first mile splits were 9:35 min/mile, my bike was 14 mph (no idea if this is good or not…but the top finishers all ran >20 mph and the average was about 16-17 mph), and my 5K pace was 12:08 min/mile – better than I thought! 
Have a super week!
These little granola cakes look great – love that they are no bake too!
Congrats on the race!!!! Finishing is all that matters, right?!
These look great…and no-bake is always good in the summer
These definitely look like they are right up my alley!
Congrats on the race! At least you finished!! That is tough! These granola bites look SO good!!
Congrats on your time and finishing the race! Major props girl
That snack looks perfect! I love having easy, yummy snacks waiting for me in the fridge. This is definitely something I’d try out.
Congrats on finishing- I’m going back to read the recap now! (I’m clearly behind on my reading.)
This recipe just reminded me of how I haven’t had almond butter in the longest time… I usually switch it up and have been going through a sunflower seed butter phase. It’s probably time for a change.
Congrats on the race! My favorite snack lately has been Fiber One Bars because I can grab them and go.
Aww, Lily, I just want to cuddle you!!
Congrats on your duathalon! I just read your recap and I’m so proud of you! We all make mistakes during races – now you know that a snack is essential
I love trying new no-bake recipes (I remember you had these fabulous no bake chocolate cookie things way back), so I’ll have to try your granola cakes. Yum!
Have a great week, Nicole!
Ok – first of all, I love how Lily’s tongue is sticking out in that picture. Cutest thing ever.
Second, those look delicious. I have to remember to make them since Im always trying to come up with easy snack ideas.
Congrats!! 14 mph is a great time for a mountain bike. Road bikes are a completely different animal – don’t compare yourself with folks going 20+ mph. Don’t worry too much about the fueling. It can be tricky to figure out the right amount of the right stuff at the right time. Just use this a lesson for your next race!
I’m still blown away that you played hockey last night!!!
I’m in a snack rut at the moment (Greek yogurt) so I’ll have to give these little granola cakes a try!
I love how simple and healthy these are! The perfect snack for anytime
That seriously is the cutest face ever! These granola cakes look amazing, they’re so full of healthy goodies!
And a huge congrats on your duathalon, Nicole!!