Description
These homemade cereal bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, packed with rolled oats, nut butter, dried fruits, and chopped nuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go treat, they combine natural sweetness with satisfying crunch and are easy to prepare in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruits until they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the nut butter and honey or maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to ensure every bit is coated with the nut butter and honey mixture, which will help bind the bars.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or greased hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan to create compact bars.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, which indicates the bars are set and ready.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 12 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- Store the cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
