Nutritious bars with oats, nuts, dried fruit, and honey, perfect for on-the-go energy boosts.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
04 - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Add-Ins
10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
11 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang the edges for easy removal after setting.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute all components evenly.
03 - Place honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm binding mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously until all components are evenly coated and no dry pockets remain.
05 - Allow the mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then fold in chocolate chips if using. This prevents them from melting completely into the bars.
06 - Transfer the prepared mixture to the lined baking pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to create uniform density throughout.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on the surface if desired. Press gently to ensure they adhere to the mixture.
08 - Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour until the mixture is completely set and firm to the touch.
09 - Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block from the pan. Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
