Homemade No-Bake Energy/Snack Bars

When you start to clean up your diet, you need to be aware of the ingredients in the food you eat. That means you need to read labels. I love granola bars. But most granola bars you find in the store, that don't cost an arm and a leg, are filled with sugar and other ingredients that should be avoided. 

So, I wanted to make my own. That way I could be in control of the ingredients in my granola bars, and add some extra items to boost them to the next level of being good for my health. Here's my recipe:

DRY ingredients ^

WET ingredients ^

Yummy delicious healthy goodness ^

Homemade Energy/Snack Bars

DRY:

1-1/4 cup rice cereal

1/2 c steel cut oats

1/2 c unsweetened shredded coconut 

1/2 c dried fruit**, chopped

2 tbs seeds***: (any combination of flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, etc)

1/4 c chopped nuts**** (raw, unsalted)

WET:

1/3 c honey

1/2 c nut butter (almond, cashew, peanut, etc)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

Optional: dark chocolate chips for drizzle

•In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients, and set aside. 

•In a microwave safe bowl, combine all wet ingredients. Microwave on High for 30 seconds. Stir until combined and smooth. 

•Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients.  Combine thoroughly (I used my hands). 

•Transfer mixture into a greased 8x8 glass dish and press to evenly pack into dish. 

•Chill for 30-60 minutes in refrigerator, or until firm and set. 

*optional: melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips in ziplock bag. Place in microwave for 20 second intervals, and knead in between, until chocolate melts. Then snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag, and drizzle over bars. 

•Cut into 12 bars. Wrap individually and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

**Dry fruit: I used pineapples, cranberry, apricots, and goji berries. 

***Seeds: I used hemp seeds and chia seeds

****Nuts: I used Almonds, but use any nut you prefer, and make sure it's raw and unsalted. 

Although I made these for myself, they are a big hit with the kids. 

These bars are great for anytime. Preworkout, snack between meals, or even to please your sweet tooth after dinner. And this recipe is designed to be versitile. Adjust it according to your preferences. Next time I make it, I plan to add some Protein powder ((get my preferred brand here--> http://juliesolis.myitworks.com/shop/product/316/ )).

I'd love to hear your feedback if you try it, and any variations you've made. 

Enjoy!