Nutty Rice Krispies Energy Bars
These Nutty Rice Krispies Energy Bars are a delightful and nutritious snack, perfect for anyone on the go! Packed with a medley of toasted sunflower and sesame seeds, this recipe allows you to customize the dried fruit to your liking – choose from apricots, dates, raisins, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. The bars come together easily, making them great for meal prep or school lunches. Wrap them individually and freeze; you'll always have a healthy treat ready to grab on those busy mornings. The combination of crunchy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips adds a satisfying sweetness, making these treats a favorite among kids and adults alike. Enjoy them as a post-workout snack, a midday pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame seeds
1/2 cup (toasted and cooled)
sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (toasted and cooled)
mixed dried fruit
2 1/2 cups (chopped)
rolled oats
1 cup (none)
Rice Krispies
7 cups (none)
honey
1 cup (or corn syrup)
white sugar
1 cup (none)
crunchy peanut butter
2 cups (none)
powdered milk
1 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup (or to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the seeds if you haven't already done so.
2
Spread the sesame seeds and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow to cool.
3
In a food processor, combine the chopped mixed dried fruit, cooled sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped but not powdered, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the rolled oats and Rice Krispies cereal to the bowl with the dried fruit mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
5
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, mix together the honey (or corn syrup), white sugar, and crunchy peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until just hot and bubbly, then stir until smooth and well blended.
6
Stir in the powdered milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until completely incorporated into the peanut butter mixture.
7
Pour the warm mixture over the cereal and fruit blend. Using a wooden spoon, mix well until all the dry ingredients are fully coated.
8
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, being careful not to break them.
9
Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch pan, using slightly damp hands for easier handling.
10
Allow the bars to cool in the pan at room temperature. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Rice Krispies Energy Bars?
They are a nutritious and delightful snack made with cereal, toasted seeds, dried fruit, and peanut butter, perfect for on-the-go energy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What kind of dried fruit can I use in these bars?
You can use a mix of apricots, dates, raisins, or even pineapple for a tropical flavor.
Which seeds are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sesame seeds and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds.
Do I need to toast the seeds?
Yes, toasting the seeds at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes enhances their flavor and crunch.
Can I substitute honey in this recipe?
Yes, you can use corn syrup as an alternative to honey.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
Crunchy peanut butter is recommended to add extra texture and nutty flavor to the bars.
Are these energy bars suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These bars are ideal for meal prep as they can be wrapped individually and stored.
Can I freeze Nutty Rice Krispies Energy Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them individually to have a healthy treat ready for busy mornings.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands while pressing it into the pan?
Using slightly damp hands will make it much easier to press the sticky mixture into the pan.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
You should use a 9 x 13-inch pan that has been greased or lined with parchment paper.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
A food processor is used to pulse the dried fruit and seeds together until they are finely chopped.
What kind of cereal is used?
The recipe uses 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal.
Are there oats in these bars?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of rolled oats for added fiber and texture.
How do I melt the peanut butter mixture?
Combine the honey, sugar, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-60 seconds until hot and bubbly.
Can I add chocolate to these bars?
Yes, the recipe includes 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips which are folded in at the end.
What flavor extracts are used?
The recipe uses both vanilla extract and almond extract for a complex flavor profile.
Do I need to bake these bars?
Other than toasting the seeds, this is essentially a no-bake recipe as the bars set at room temperature.
Why is powdered milk included in the recipe?
Powdered milk helps bind the ingredients together and adds a boost of protein and calcium.
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, creamy peanut butter will work, though the bars will have a smoother texture.
Are these bars a good post-workout snack?
Yes, the combination of carbohydrates and protein makes them an excellent post-workout pick-me-up.
How long do the seeds take to toast?
They take about 5-7 minutes in a 350°F oven; watch them carefully so they do not burn.
Can I omit the almond extract if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can omit it or replace it with additional vanilla extract.
What is the best way to cut the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature before cutting them into squares.
Can kids take these to school?
Yes, they are great for school lunches, provided there are no peanut allergies in the classroom.
Is there white sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of white sugar to help sweeten and set the bars.
Should I use a specific type of oats?
The recipe specifies rolled oats, which provide a better texture than instant oats.
What is the texture of these bars?
They are crunchy from the cereal and seeds, and chewy from the dried fruit and peanut butter mixture.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Yes, you can customize the chocolate chips to your preference.
How should I store these bars if not freezing?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture.