No-Bake Energy Bars
Looking for an energy bar that is easy to make, tasty and nutritious? I’ve got you!
These are my favourite granola bars: they use basic pantry ingredients, can easily be vegan and/or gluten-free, and you don’t even need to bake them.
They are great for a nutritious breakfast on the go, a post workout recovery meal or a portable snack (I love them for road trips or on the plane). Not to mention that they are a big hit with children too.
No-Bake Energy Bars (makes 16 bars)
Ingredients:
1.5 cups rolled oats (GF oats optional)
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 cups of dried fruit and nut mix (I did mine with shredded coconut, walnut pieces, pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, cranberries, diced dates, and chia seeds - you can be creative!)
1 cup unsalted smooth peanut butter (works well with almond butter too)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (vegan)
2 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
In a large bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Optional: you can blend briefly in a food processor or blender the dry ingredients especially if you’re using large nuts or whole oats. This will give make your granola bar more chewy and less crumbly.
Add the peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract and combine with a wooden spoon until all the dry ingredients are covered evenly.
Press the mixture into a square dish layered with baking paper with the round side of a spoon. Press down firmly so the mixture is evenly spread and packed together.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready, take the bars out of the dish and slice them with a sharp knife into equal 4 column and 4 rows.
Store them in a sealed container for up to 10 days in the fridge or for months in the freezer.
Et voilà !
