Looking for a delightful snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying? Cereal bars are your answer! These bars are not only easy to make at home but also allow for endless customization. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast option, a midday pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat, these bars will keep you energized and full. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to whip up a batch of homemade cereal bars that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
– 1/2 cup nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 bars. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately 200 calories, 8g protein, 10g fat, 25g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
3. In a saucepan, heat the nut butter and honey over low heat until melted and combined.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour the nut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and press it down firmly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
9. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
10. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the nut butter with any seed butter for a nut-free option. You can also swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup depending on your dietary preferences.
Serving and Pairings
Cereal bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with yogurt for a wholesome breakfast. They also make great additions to lunch boxes or as a snack during hikes or road trips.
Storage and Reheating
Store cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to two weeks. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the dish can lead to crumbly bars.
- Overbaking may cause the bars to become too hard.
- Using too much liquid can make the bars overly sticky.
- Not allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting can result in messy pieces.
- Skipping the salt can dull the flavors of the ingredients.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different nut butters for varied flavors.
- Incorporate chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or syrup.
- Mix in protein powder for an extra energy boost.
- Use fresh fruits in addition to dried for added texture.
FAQs
Can I make cereal bars vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based nut butters and maple syrup instead of honey, you can easily make these bars vegan-friendly.
How long do cereal bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, cereal bars can last up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding protein powder is a great way to enhance the nutritional profile of your cereal bars.
What can I use instead of oats?
You can substitute oats with puffed rice or quinoa flakes for a different texture and flavor.
Are cereal bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars can be made gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cereal bars are a fantastic, versatile snack that you can customize to your taste. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a healthy treat that fuels your day. Whether you’re heading out the door or need a quick pick-me-up, these bars are sure to satisfy!
Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or sunflower
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or apricots
- 1/2 cup nuts or seeds almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
- In a saucepan, heat the nut butter and honey over low heat until melted and combined.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the nut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and press it down firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
