Are you looking for a quick and easy snack that will keep you energized throughout the day? Look no further than this delicious and nutritious homemade energy bar recipe.
Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are the perfect on-the-go option for anyone leading an active lifestyle. Whether you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a pre-workout boost, these energy bars have got you covered. Let’s get started!.
Ingredients
To make these healthy energy bars, you will need the following ingredients:.
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of almond butter
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- 1/4 cup of dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, or dates)
- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own healthy energy bars:.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the required ingredients and measure them out accurately. This will ensure that your energy bars turn out perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruits, chia seeds, and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Press the Mixture
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the energy bars chill for at least 1 hour or until they are firm and set.
Step 6: Cut into Bars
Once the bars are fully chilled and set, remove them from the baking dish by pulling on the edges of the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into individual bars of your desired size.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Store the energy bars in an airtight container or wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for convenient grab-and-go snacks. These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Enjoy them whenever you need a healthy and energizing treat!.
Benefits of Homemade Energy Bars
Making your own energy bars at home offers several benefits:.
1. Control Over Ingredients
By preparing your own energy bars, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose high-quality, organic ingredients and customize the recipe based on your dietary preferences or any specific dietary restrictions you may have.
2. Nutrient-Dense
Homemade energy bars are typically more nutrient-dense compared to store-bought options.
You can include a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains in your bars to provide a wide range of essential nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Cost-Effective
Making your own energy bars can be a budget-friendly option in the long run. Store-bought bars can be quite expensive, especially if you consume them frequently.
By purchasing the ingredients in bulk and making batches of bars at home, you can save money without compromising on quality.
4. No Additives or Preservatives
Many store-bought energy bars contain additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. When you make your own bars, you can avoid these unnecessary ingredients and have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into your snacks.
5. Customizable Flavors
When you make energy bars at home, you can experiment with different flavors and combinations.
You can add your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporate ingredients like dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes to give your bars a delicious twist.