Big Sur Energizing Power Bars
Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur, these Energizing Power Bars are a delightful twist on Heidi Swanson's original recipe from her beloved cookbook, 101 Cookbooks. Bursting with a harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients, each bar is a treasure of flavor and nutrition. Soft and slightly chewy, they may be prone to crumbling, but don’t let that fool you; they pack a punch of energizing goodness. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a snack during your adventures, or a post-workout boost, these bars can be easily customized to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Enjoy a taste of the stunning California coast with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sunflower oil
1 tablespoon (for greasing the pan)
Rolled oats
1 1/4 cups (toasted)
Walnuts
3/4 cup (toasted and chopped (or nut of your choice))
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup (toasted (or nut of your choice))
Shredded unsweetened coconut
2/3 cup (toasted)
Oat bran
1/2 cup
Ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon (or nutritional yeast flakes)
Crisped brown rice cereal
1 1/2 cups (not puffed rice or use rice crispies)
Chopped dried cranberries
1 cup (or dried fruit of your choice)
Finely chopped crystallized ginger
3 tablespoons
Sesame seeds
1/3 cup (toasted)
Brown rice syrup
1 cup (or agave syrup, maple syrup, or honey (using a little less))
Unrefined unbleached cane sugar
1/4 cup (turbinado sugar or brown sugar)
Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Fine grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Big Sur Energizing Power Bars?
They are wholesome, nutrient-dense bars inspired by the beauty of Big Sur and a recipe by Heidi Swanson.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is a twist on a version by Heidi Swanson from her cookbook, 101 Cookbooks.
What is the texture of these power bars?
These bars are soft and slightly chewy, though they may be prone to crumbling.
When should I eat these power bars?
They are ideal for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a snack during adventures, or as a post-workout boost.
Are these bars customizable?
Yes, they can be easily customized to suit your personal tastes or specific dietary needs.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, based on the tags, these are considered no-bake energy bars.
Are Big Sur Energizing Power Bars vegan-friendly?
Yes, they are tagged as vegan-friendly and use plant-based ingredients like brown rice syrup and flax seeds.
Are these power bars gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is categorized with a gluten-free tag.
What oil is used for the preparation?
Sunflower oil is used specifically for greasing the pan.
Do the rolled oats need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of toasted rolled oats.
What kind of nuts can I use in these bars?
The recipe suggests toasted walnuts and sliced almonds, but you can use any nut of your choice.
Is the coconut used in this recipe sweetened?
No, the recipe specifies using shredded unsweetened coconut that has been toasted.
What can I substitute for ground flax seeds?
You can use nutritional yeast flakes as a substitute for ground flax seeds.
What type of cereal is used for the crunch?
The recipe uses crisped brown rice cereal; you should avoid puffed rice but can use rice crispies.
Which dried fruits are recommended?
Chopped dried cranberries are suggested, though you can use any dried fruit you prefer.
What adds a unique zing to these bars?
Three tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger provide a distinct flavor profile.
Are there seeds in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/3 cup of toasted sesame seeds.
What liquid sweeteners are compatible with this recipe?
Brown rice syrup is preferred, but agave syrup, maple syrup, or honey can also be used.
Should I adjust the quantity if using honey?
Yes, the recipe notes that if you use honey, you should use a little less than the standard one cup.
What types of sugar can be used?
Unrefined unbleached cane sugar is recommended, but turbinado or brown sugar are suitable substitutes.
Does the recipe include vanilla?
Yes, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is used for flavoring.
What kind of salt is best for these bars?
Fine grain sea salt is the recommended choice for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used to make these power bars.
Are the walnuts prepared specially?
Yes, the walnuts should be toasted and chopped before being added to the mixture.
Is oat bran included in the bars?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oat bran to add nutritional value.
Why are these called 'Big Sur' bars?
They are inspired by the breathtaking beauty and spirit of the Big Sur coast in California.
Can I use different types of rice cereal?
Yes, while crisped brown rice cereal is specified, rice crispies are a mentioned alternative.
Are the almond slices toasted?
Yes, the recipe indicates that the sliced almonds should be toasted.
What is the primary binder for these bars?
The primary binder is brown rice syrup (or its alternatives) combined with sugar.
What is the general nutritional profile of these bars?
They are considered healthy and nutritious, packed with fiber from oats and bran, and healthy fats from nuts and seeds.