“cereal Bars”
Cereal bars are the ultimate snack for anyone on the go! These delightful treats are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. With wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, they provide a perfect balance of energy and flavor. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the gym, these homemade cereal bars offer a nutritious boost to keep you fueled throughout the day. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your own batch!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 bars. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cereal bar (approximately 50g) contains about 200 calories, 8g of protein, 10g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits.
- In a small saucepan, heat nut butter and honey over low heat until melted.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the melted mixture, stirring well.
- Pour the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, if using, and press them in slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. You can also use agave syrup in place of honey for a vegan alternative. Additionally, swap out dried fruits for your favorite mix-ins like seeds or coconut flakes.
Serving and Pairings
These cereal bars are perfect on their own as a snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of yogurt for breakfast. Enjoy them alongside fresh fruit for a more balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store your cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the baking dish.
- Baking for too long, which can make the bars hard.
- Using too much liquid, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Overmixing the ingredients, which can lead to a crumbly bar.
- Skipping the cooling step, making it difficult to cut into bars.
Helpful Tips
- Use quick oats for a softer texture.
- Experiment with different nut and seed combinations.
- For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or cocoa powder.
- Cut the bars while they are still slightly warm for easier slicing.
FAQs
Can I make cereal bars without nuts?
Yes, you can substitute nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This makes the bars nut-free and still delicious!
How long do these cereal bars last?
When stored properly, cereal bars can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
Can I add protein powder to the mix?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of protein powder to enhance the protein content without compromising the texture.
Are cereal bars suitable for kids?
Yes, these cereal bars are a nutritious snack for kids. You can customize the ingredients based on their preferences.
Can I use fresh fruit in the bars?
Fresh fruit is not recommended as it can add moisture. Stick to dried fruits for the best results.
Conclusion
Homemade cereal bars are a versatile and nutritious snack that everyone will love. With endless customization options, you can create a flavor-packed bar perfect for your taste. Whether for a quick breakfast or a post-workout snack, these bars will keep you energized and satisfied. Enjoy making these delicious treats!
Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nut butter peanut or almond
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts almonds, walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruits cranberries, raisins
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits.
- In a small saucepan, heat nut butter and honey over low heat until melted.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the melted mixture, stirring well.
- Pour the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, if using, and press them in slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and store in an airtight container.