Ultimate No-Bake Energy Bars
Indulge in these incredibly delicious and nutritious Ultimate No-Bake Energy Bars! Packed with a delightful mix of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these bars offer the perfect combination of crunchiness and chewiness that makes them irresistibly addictive. Ideal for busy days, these bars are perfect for lunchboxes, hiking trips, or a post-workout snack. The best part? They require no baking! Just mix, press, and enjoy a delicious energy boost that will keep you going when you need it most. A true crowd-pleaser, these bars are sure to become a staple in your snack repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quick-cooking rolled oats
2 cups (uncooked)
Rice Krispies
2 cups (uncooked)
dried cranberries (craisins)
1/2 cup (uncooked)
shredded coconut
1/2 cup (uncooked)
sliced almonds
3/4 cup (uncooked)
light corn syrup
3/4 cup (uncooked)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (uncooked)
peanut butter
3/4 cup (creamy or chunky)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick-cooking rolled oats, Rice Krispies, dried cranberries (craisins), shredded coconut, and sliced almonds. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. (Tip: Use two knives to cut the shredded coconut into smaller pieces for a better texture.)
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the light corn syrup and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
5
Pour the warm mixture over the oat mixture in the bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine, making sure all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Using a piece of wax paper, press the mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid, even layer.
7
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut into 30 equal-sized bars.
8
Store the energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extra firmness. These bars also freeze well when securely wrapped.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate No-Bake Energy Bars?
They are a nutritious snack made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits that require no baking and offer a mix of crunchy and chewy textures.
How many bars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 30 equal-sized energy bars.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9 x 13-inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No, these are no-bake bars; they only require mixing, pressing into a pan, and cooling.
What type of oats are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of quick-cooking rolled oats.
What cereal is used for the crunch?
Rice Krispies are used to add a delightful crunch to the bars.
Can I use different dried fruits?
While the recipe specifies dried cranberries (craisins), you can likely substitute them with other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates.
How should I prepare the shredded coconut?
For a better texture, use two knives to cut the shredded coconut into smaller pieces before mixing.
What kind of nuts are included?
The recipe specifically uses 3/4 cup of sliced almonds.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your preference.
What is the sweetener base for the bars?
The bars are sweetened and held together with a mixture of light corn syrup and brown sugar.
How do I prepare the pan for easy removal?
Line the baking pan with parchment paper and leave some overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract immediately after removing the syrup and sugar mixture from the heat.
How long should I boil the syrup and sugar?
Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat immediately.
How do I ensure the bars are pressed firmly?
Use a piece of wax paper to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
How long do the bars need to cool?
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting.
Can I refrigerate the energy bars?
Yes, you can refrigerate them if you prefer extra firmness.
What is the best way to store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, these energy bars freeze well when they are securely wrapped.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, these are ideal for lunchboxes, hiking trips, or meal prep snacks.
Are these energy bars gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and Rice Krispies.
What is the texture of these bars?
They offer a perfect combination of crunchiness from the nuts and cereal and chewiness from the oats and fruit.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients in total.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either creamy or chunky peanut butter.
What makes these bars a good energy boost?
The combination of oats, nuts, and natural sugars provides sustained energy for busy days or workouts.
Can I omit the coconut?
Yes, if you do not like coconut, you can omit it, though it adds to the flavor and texture.
Do I need to grease the parchment paper?
No, the parchment paper itself prevents sticking, especially with the high fat content of the peanut butter.
How do I cut them into equal bars?
Once cooled, lift the whole slab out using the parchment paper and use a sharp knife to cut 30 portions.
Are these bars a good post-workout snack?
Yes, they are described as an ideal post-workout snack due to their nutrient-dense ingredients.
Is the brown sugar packed?
While not explicitly stated, brown sugar is typically measured packed for baking and snack recipes.