Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious snack that is both easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients? This recipe features a delightful combination of sultanas, nuts, and rolled oats, all bound together with the rich flavors of peanut butter and honey. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying snack on the go, these homemade bars will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup sultanas
1/4 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup almonds, very roughly chopped
1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup (120 g) pure natural peanut butter, smooth, or other nut butter (mix oil in well)
1/2 cup (175 g) honey
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 bars
This recipe is not only simple to follow but also adaptable. You can easily substitute your favorite nuts or seeds to personalize the bars to your taste. Enjoy these wholesome snacks that are perfect for school lunches, hiking trips, or simply as a healthy treat!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare the Pan
Line a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan with baking paper, ensuring there is overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the sultanas, desiccated coconut, roughly chopped almonds, pepitas, rolled oats, white sesame seeds, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Heat Peanut Butter and Honey
In a saucepan, warm the peanut butter and honey over low heat, stirring until both are smooth and fully combined.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm peanut butter-honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl.
Combine Thoroughly
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture.
Transfer to the Pan
Take the mixture and transfer it into the prepared square pan.
Compact the Mixture
Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to ensure it is compact and even in the pan.
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool in the Pan
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before attempting to lift it out.
Cut into Bars
Once cooled, use the baking paper overhang to lift the mixture out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bars of your desired size.
Store
Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
Texture Preference
For a crunchier texture, consider increasing the amount of chopped almonds or adding in other nuts.
Sweetness Adjustment
Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to taste, depending on how sweet you like your bars.
Nut Butter Variations
You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut/seed butter according to your preference.
Storage Duration
These bars can be stored for up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Heating Nut Butter and Honey
Warm peanut butter and honey over low heat until they achieve a smooth, pourable consistency, allowing for better incorporation into dry ingredients.
Pressing Mixture
After transferring the mixture into the pan, press down firmly to compact it. This helps the bars hold their shape once baked.
Baking
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 15 minutes. Monitor closely until the edges turn golden to prevent overbaking.
Cooling
Allow the baked mixture to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving a firm bar that can be cut neatly.
FAQ
Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.
How do I store the bars after making them?
Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I add more ingredients to the mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits according to your preference.
What if I want the bars to be sweeter?
You can increase the amount of honey or add a sweetener like maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
Are these bars suitable for vegan diets?
To make it vegan, substitute honey with a plant-based sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup.
Conclusion
These homemade bars are a delightful and nutritious snack packed with natural sweetness and a crunchy texture. The combination of sultanas, nuts, and seeds provides essential nutrients, making them a perfect on-the-go energy boost. By customizing the ingredients, these bars can cater to various dietary preferences and can easily become a family favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Energy Bars
Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious chocolatey version of these energy bars.
Nutty Fruit Bars
Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or apricots along with the sultanas for a mix of fruity flavors.
Protein-Packed Bars
Include 1/4 cup of protein powder in the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost, perfect for post-workout snacks.
Oaty Coconut Snack Bites
Replace half the rolled oats with oats flour for a different texture and combine with shredded coconut.
Spiced Pumpkin Bars
Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and replace pepitas with crushed walnuts for a fall-inspired flavor.
Vegan Option
Substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure nut butter is from a vegan source to make these bars suitable for vegans.
