No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that's perfect for on-the-go fuel! Combining wholesome rolled oats, crunchy nuts, and a satisfying blend of sweet honey and chocolate, these bars are packed with protein and energy, making them a great choice for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. This easy recipe requires no baking and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds. Ideal for meal prep, they can be made in advance and stored for a quick snack anytime you need a boost.
16
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rolled Oats
1 1/2 cups (Uncooked, standard rolled oats.)
Wheat Germ
1/2 cup (Packed, dry wheat germ.)
Oat Bran
1/2 cup (Dry oat bran.)
Instant Dry Milk Powder
1/2 cup (Unflavored, dry milk powder.)
Peanut Butter
1 cup (Smooth or crunchy, creamy style preferred.)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (Optional, chopped if large.)
Chopped Nuts
1/2 cup (Optional, choose your favorite (e.g., almonds, walnuts).)
Chocolate Chips
1 cup (Optional, semi-sweet or dark chocolate.)
Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (Liquid corn syrup.)
Honey
1/2 cup (Pure honey.)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, wheat germ, oat bran, and instant dry milk powder. Stir until well blended.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, light corn syrup, and honey. Microwave for about 30-40 seconds or until warm and easily stirrable.
3
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. If you're using any optional ingredients, such as dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more corn syrup or honey to bind it together.
4
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together.
5
Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until set. Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into 16 bars.
6
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
3.4g
Protein
4.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars?
They are a delicious, nutrient-dense snack made with rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey that provides a quick energy boost without the need for baking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe produces 16 individual energy bars when prepared in a 9x13 inch pan.
How many calories are in each energy bar?
Each bar contains approximately 100 calories.
What are the primary dry ingredients used?
The base dry ingredients include rolled oats, wheat germ, oat bran, and instant dry milk powder.
Is there a specific type of peanut butter recommended?
The recipe suggests using a creamy style peanut butter, though you can choose between smooth or crunchy varieties based on your preference.
How long do these bars need to refrigerate?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 1 to 2 hours until they are firm enough to cut.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each bar provides 3.4 grams of protein.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can fold in up to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips as an optional mix-in.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Are these energy bars suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, these bars are ideal for meal prep as they can be made in advance and stored for quick snacks throughout the week.
What can I do if the mixture is too dry to bind together?
If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a small amount of extra honey or light corn syrup to help it hold together.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can add half a cup of your favorite chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to enhance the texture and nutrition.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for spreading the mixture evenly.
Is there any fiber in these bars?
While specific fiber grams are not listed, the inclusion of rolled oats, wheat germ, and oat bran provides a natural source of dietary fiber.
Are these bars low in fat?
Each bar contains 4.4 grams of fat, which primarily comes from the peanut butter and oats.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for standard, uncooked rolled oats.
Can I add dried fruit?
Yes, dried cranberries are a suggested optional ingredient, but you can use any dried fruit you prefer.
What is the carbohydrate count per bar?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates in each energy bar.
Why do I need to warm the peanut butter and syrup?
Warming the liquid ingredients for 30-40 seconds makes them easier to stir and helps them incorporate more smoothly with the dry ingredients.
How much sugar is in each bar?
Each bar contains approximately 4.4 grams of sugar.
Are these bars gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains wheat germ and oat bran which typically contain gluten. You would need specific substitutions to make them gluten-free.
Can I replace the light corn syrup?
While the recipe specifies light corn syrup for binding, you may try using more honey or brown rice syrup, though the texture may vary.
What purpose does the instant dry milk powder serve?
The dry milk powder adds protein and helps create a satisfying texture in the bars.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should either grease the pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any other nut butter using a 1:1 ratio.
How many total ingredients are in the base recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients listed, including the optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips.
Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, these bars are a great nutritious snack for kids, provided they do not have a peanut allergy.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make them vegan, you would need to substitute the honey with agave nectar and the dry milk powder with a plant-based alternative.
How long does the preparation take?
The active preparation time is very short, as it only involves mixing and pressing into a pan, followed by a 1-2 hour setting period.
Is there any cholesterol in these bars?
The provided nutritional data does not list cholesterol, as the primary ingredients like oats and peanut butter are naturally cholesterol-free.