Nutty Peanut Power Bars
Elevate your snack game with these delicious Nutty Peanut Power Bars that are perfect for an energy boost any time of the day! Packed with protein and healthy fats from peanuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter, these bars are not just satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. With the added sweetness of raisins and a crunch from toasted rice cereal, these homemade energy bars are a wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks. Enjoy them as a post-workout treat, a convenient lunch option, or a midday pick-me-up. Share them with friends and family, or store them for yourself for a nutritious grab-and-go snack!
N/A
Servings
149
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry roasted salted peanuts
1/2 cup (chopped if desired)
roasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (or substitute with more peanuts or other nuts)
raisins
1/2 cup (or substitute with other dried fruit)
uncooked oatmeal
2 cups (old-fashioned or instant)
toasted rice cereal
2 cups (such as Rice Krispies)
toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup (optional)
peanut butter
1/2 cup (creamy or crunchy)
packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (light)
light corn syrup
1/2 cup
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry roasted peanuts, roasted sunflower seeds, raisins, uncooked oatmeal, and toasted rice cereal. If desired, add toasted wheat germ for an extra nutritional boost. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Microwave the mixture on high for two minutes, pausing to stir halfway through for even heating. Once heated, remove from the microwave, add vanilla extract, and stir until smooth and well-blended.
3
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4
For bars, transfer the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan and flatten it down evenly. If you prefer squares, use an 8 x 8-inch pan. To ensure the mixture is compacted, press it down firmly with your fingers (a little oil or cooking spray can help prevent sticking).
5
Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for about an hour to harden. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into squares or bars as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
6.4g
Fat
20.4g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
2.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Peanut Power Bars?
Nutty Peanut Power Bars are a homemade, no-bake snack made with peanuts, oatmeal, rice cereal, and peanut butter, designed to provide an energy boost.
Are these bars difficult to make?
No, these bars are incredibly easy to make and require no baking, only a microwave to heat the binder mixture.
How many calories are in one Nutty Peanut Power Bar?
Each serving contains approximately 149 calories.
What kind of peanuts should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry roasted salted peanuts, which can be chopped if desired.
Can I substitute the roasted sunflower seeds?
Yes, you can substitute the sunflower seeds with more peanuts or any other nuts of your choice.
Are Nutty Peanut Power Bars a good source of protein?
Yes, each bar provides 3.5g of protein from ingredients like peanuts and peanut butter.
Can I use different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely, you can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
What type of oatmeal is best for these bars?
You can use either old-fashioned or instant uncooked oatmeal for this recipe.
Is toasted wheat germ necessary for the recipe?
No, toasted wheat germ is an optional ingredient used for an extra nutritional boost.
What type of cereal should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies.
Should I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for texture.
What is the sweetener used in these bars?
The bars are sweetened with 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup.
How do I prepare the peanut butter mixture?
Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a bowl and microwave on high for two minutes, stirring halfway through.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture after it has been microwaved and stir until smooth.
What size pan should I use for energy bars?
Use a well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan for standard bars or an 8 x 8-inch pan for thicker squares.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
You can use a little oil or cooking spray on your fingers to help press the mixture firmly into the pan.
How long do the bars need to set?
The mixture should stand at room temperature for about one hour to harden before cutting.
How should I store these power bars?
Store the cut bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will the bars stay fresh?
Nutty Peanut Power Bars can be stored for up to one week.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free; however, ensure your oatmeal and rice cereal are certified gluten-free.
How much fat is in each bar?
Each bar contains 6.4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do these bars contain fiber?
Yes, each bar contains approximately 2.3g of fiber.
Can I eat these as a post-workout snack?
Yes, they are an excellent post-workout treat due to their protein and carbohydrate content.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because they store well for a week, they are perfect for grab-and-go meal planning.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients, including the optional wheat germ.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
The recipe specifies light corn syrup, which provides a milder flavor suited for these bars.
What is the consistency of the finished bars?
They are firm but chewy, with a crunch from the rice cereal and peanuts.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could stir in chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly but before pressing into the pan.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Salt is provided by the dry roasted salted peanuts; no additional salt is added to the mixture.