Crunchy Peanut Butter Bliss Bars
These Crunchy Peanut Butter Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats and crispy rice cereal with the rich flavor of peanut butter and sweet dried fruits. Perfectly chewy yet satisfyingly crispy, these bars are not just a hit with my picky 2-year-old but a favorite for everyone in the family! They make for a guilt-free snack that satisfies sweet cravings while providing an energy boost for busy days. Enjoy them after school, during a hike, or just as a sweet pick-me-up!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crispy rice cereal
2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups (Measure out; half will be blended into powder.)
Honey
1/2 cup (Warm in a saucepan.)
Peanut butter
1/2 cup (Whisk into warm honey.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Whisk into honey and peanut butter mixture.)
Chopped pitted dates
1/3 cup (Chop in a food processor.)
Dried cranberries
1/4 cup (Chop in a food processor.)
Mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup (Optional, consider freezing before mixing.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12x8 inch baking dish; alternatively, an 11x7 or 13x9 inch dish works well too.
2
In a food processor, blend half of the quick-cooking oats until they resemble a fine powder. This will enhance the texture of the bars, but is optional.
3
In a large bowl, combine the processed oats, remaining quick-cooking oats, and crispy rice cereal.
4
Roughly chop the pitted dates and dried cranberries, then place them in the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, and add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
5
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the honey until it starts to bubble. Remove from heat and whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
6
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. If you prefer the chips to remain whole, consider freezing them for a short while before adding.
8
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Place a sheet of waxed or parchment paper over the top, and press down firmly to create an even layer. Remove the paper afterward.
9
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then slice into bars while still in the dish. For a firmer texture, chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before removing the bars and placing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Peanut Butter Bliss Bars?
These are delightful snack bars that combine oats, crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, honey, and dried fruits for a chewy and crispy treat.
Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, they are highly kid-friendly and were specifically noted as a favorite for a picky 2-year-old.
How many calories are in each bar?
Each bar contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
How much fiber do these bars contain?
These bars contain 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What are the main ingredients?
The recipe uses crispy rice cereal, quick-cooking oats, honey, peanut butter, vanilla extract, dates, dried cranberries, and mini chocolate chips.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make them gluten-free by ensuring your crispy rice cereal and quick-cooking oats are certified gluten-free.
Why does the recipe suggest blending half of the oats?
Blending half of the oats into a fine powder helps enhance the overall texture of the bars, though it is an optional step.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 12x8 inch baking dish is recommended, but 11x7 or 13x9 inch dishes also work well.
Do I need to bake these bars?
While the instructions mention preheating the oven to 350°F, the recipe is categorized as 'no-bake' and primarily involves warming the honey/peanut butter and then chilling the mixture.
How do I prepare the dates and cranberries?
Roughly chop the pitted dates and dried cranberries, then pulse them in a food processor until they are finely chopped.
How do I combine the peanut butter and honey?
Warm the honey in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat and whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
How can I prevent the chocolate chips from melting?
You can freeze the mini chocolate chips for a short while before folding them into the warm mixture to help them retain their shape.
What is the best way to compress the mixture in the pan?
Place a sheet of waxed or parchment paper over the top of the mixture and press down firmly to create an even, dense layer.
How long should the bars cool before slicing?
Allow them to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing them while still in the dish.
How do I achieve a firmer texture for the bars?
For a firmer texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before removing them from the dish.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Are these bars good for physical activities?
Yes, they are excellent energy bars for hikes or busy days due to their carbohydrate and protein content.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dried apricots if preferred.
What type of chocolate chips are best?
Mini chocolate chips are recommended as they distribute more evenly throughout the bars.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, containing wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, and peanut butter with no refined flour.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a bar?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per bar.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or any other nut butter can be used as a 1:1 substitute for peanut butter.
What kind of cereal provides the 'crunchy' element?
Crispy rice cereal provides the signature crunch in these bars.
Is there any added vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is whisked into the honey and peanut butter mixture for flavor.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Are these bars suitable for vegans?
As written, they contain honey and potentially dairy in the chocolate chips. To make them vegan, use agave or maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as 'quick' and 'easy,' making it a great option for busy schedules.
What makes these bars 'bliss' bars?
The combination of sweet dried fruits, rich peanut butter, and chocolate chips creates a satisfying, 'blissful' flavor profile.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
No, steel-cut oats are too hard for this recipe. Quick-cooking oats are necessary for the correct chewy texture.