Homemade Energy Bars

Making your own energy bars at home is a total game-changer! Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you also get to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. These homemade energy bars are packed with wholesome goodness, featuring rolled oats, dried fruit, and nut butter, making them the perfect snack to fuel your active lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, dried fruit, and chia seeds.

Stir until well combined.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the nut butter, honey, and brown rice syrup.

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Let cool for a few minutes.

Add the nut butter mixture to the oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

Stir in the chopped nuts and shredded coconut.

Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Cut into 7 bars.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use any combination of dried fruit you like, but cranberries, raisins, and cherries are a tasty trio.

Choose your favorite nut butter – peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter all work great.

If you want a chewier texture, bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes after pressing it into the baking dish.

These bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking, hiking, or as a post-workout treat.

Keep in mind that these bars are quite dense, so if you prefer a lighter texture, try adding a bit more oats or chia seeds.

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can omit it or substitute with a different flavor extract like almond or coconut.

Cut the bars into whatever size you like – smaller bars are great for lunchboxes or larger bars are perfect for a more substantial snack.

Be prepared for the mixture to be sticky, so make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Nutrional Value

• Energy: 320 calories
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg