What You Will Need:
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 cup of your choice of nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, or walnuts)
- 1 cup of dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
The Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Mix them well using a spoon.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the honey or maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix everything together until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips into the mixture for an extra touch of sweetness.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your hands.
Step 7: Bake the cereal bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 8: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely. This will allow the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
Step 9: Once cooled, remove the cereal bar block from the baking dish and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut it into individual bars or squares.
Step 10: Your homemade cereal bars are now ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Customization Options:
The best part about homemade cereal bars is that you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few customization ideas:
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to boost the nutritional value.
- Swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a different taste.
- Replace the dried fruits with shredded coconut or chopped dark chocolate.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup.
Now that you know how easy it is to make homemade cereal bars, why not give it a try? Not only will you be able to control the ingredients, but you’ll also have a delicious and nutritious snack at your fingertips whenever hunger strikes. Enjoy!