Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Raisin Energy Bars
These Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Raisin Energy Bars are a fantastic snack for both kids and adults alike. Packed with delicious crunch and chewy goodness, these granola bars are loaded with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. The combination of crispy rice cereal, hearty oats, and sweet raisins creates a delightful texture, while the rich, creamy peanut butter binds it all together. Customize your bars with your choice of dried fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a decadent twist! Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack, these energy bars are healthier than any store-bought alternative and can be easily made in your kitchen. Keep them stored in an airtight container for a delicious, energizing treat whenever you need it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crispy rice cereal
2 cups (None)
Old fashioned oats
2 cups (None)
Raisins (or other dried fruit)
1/2 cup (None)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Firmly packed)
Light corn syrup
1/2 cup (None)
Peanut butter
1/2 cup (Smooth or crunchy, as preferred)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the pan)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, old-fashioned oats, and raisins (or any other dried fruit of your choice). Mix well and set aside.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined.
4
Carefully pour the warm brown sugar and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and mixed evenly.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish, ensuring it’s packed tightly.
7
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden brown. (This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavor.)
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into 16 even bars and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Raisin Energy Bars?
These are homemade granola bars made with crispy rice cereal, oats, raisins, and peanut butter, designed as a nutritious snack for kids and adults.
What are the main ingredients in these energy bars?
The main ingredients include crispy rice cereal, old fashioned oats, raisins, brown sugar, light corn syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
How many bars does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 16 even bars when using a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Can I substitute the raisins with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with any other dried fruit of your choice, such as dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or blueberries.
Is the baking step mandatory for these energy bars?
The baking step is optional; it helps to enhance the flavor and sets the edges, but the bars can also be set by cooling without baking.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of old fashioned oats for a hearty and chewy texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your personal preference for texture.
How do I store Nutty Delight Peanut Butter Raisin Energy Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. For a longer shelf life, you can also keep them in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your bars by adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a more decadent twist.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
The bars should cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes before you cut them into portions.
Why do I need to boil the brown sugar and corn syrup?
Boiling the brown sugar and corn syrup creates a binder that helps the bars hold their shape once they cool.
Are these bars suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, they are an excellent post-workout snack as they provide energy through a combination of carbohydrates and protein.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding your choice of chopped nuts for extra crunch and protein.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you choose to bake the bars.
How long do the bars need to bake?
They only need about 10 minutes in the oven, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
What is the texture of these energy bars?
The bars have a delightful texture that is both crunchy from the cereal and chewy from the oats and raisins.
Is vanilla extract required?
Vanilla extract adds flavor, but the bars will still form correctly without it if you don't have it on hand.
Are these bars better than store-bought granola bars?
Many find these healthier than store-bought alternatives because they use wholesome ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: rice cereal, oats, raisins, brown sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, and cooking spray.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
While the recipe specifies corn syrup for its binding properties, honey can often be used as a substitute, though it may result in a softer bar.
Are these bars kid-friendly?
Yes, these bars are a fantastic snack for kids due to their sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
Do I need to pack the brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
Can I make these bars in a smaller batch?
You can halve the ingredients and use an 8x8 inch pan if you prefer a smaller batch.
How should I press the mixture into the pan?
Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish to ensure the bars are packed tightly.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, the preparation is simple and the baking time is only 10 minutes, making it an easy homemade snack.
What color should the edges be after baking?
The edges should just begin to turn a golden brown color.
Can these be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast on the go or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Should the peanut butter be added while the sugar mixture is hot?
Yes, remove the sugar mixture from the heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.