Unveil the secret to healthy snacking with our Nutrient-Packed Snack Bars. These bars are a treasure trove of goodness, combining oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to offer a perfect blend of taste and health. Ideal for busy mornings, post-workout, or a midday snack, these bars provide sustained energy without any added sugars or preservatives. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they're your go-to choice for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields: 12 bars
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: 200 g (7 oz)
- Chopped Almonds: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Pumpkin Seeds: 30 g (1 oz)
- Sunflower Seeds: 30 g (1 oz)
- Dried Cranberries: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Chopped Dates: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Natural Peanut Butter: 120 ml (4 oz)
- Honey: 60 ml (2 oz)
- Vanilla Extract: 5 ml (0.2 oz)
- Ground Cinnamon: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Pinch of Salt
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, and dates.
- In a saucepan, gently heat peanut butter and honey until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients, add cinnamon and salt, and stir well.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared pan, pressing firmly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool in the pan, then cut into bars.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other nuts and seeds?
Absolutely, feel free to mix and match with your favorites.
How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free oats.