Ingredients
- Rolled Oats (3 cups): The base of our bars, providing fiber and a satisfying chewiness. Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Mixed Nuts (1 ½ cups): A combination of your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews adds healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch. Roughly chop them for even distribution.
- Dried Fruits (1 ½ cups): Raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates bring natural sweetness and chewy texture. Choose a mix for varied flavors and nutrients.
- Seeds (½ cup): Chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds boost the nutritional profile with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and added texture.
- Nut Butter (½ cup): Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter acts as a binder and adds healthy fats and protein. Choose your favorite for flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (½ cup): A natural sweetener to bind the ingredients and add a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup offers a vegan option.
- Coconut Oil (¼ cup, melted): Helps bind the bars and adds a subtle coconut flavor and healthy fats. Can be substituted with other melted oils like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm and comforting note.
- Spices (Optional, ½ teaspoon): Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added for extra warmth and flavor depth.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures the bars bake evenly without burning. While the oven heats, lightly grease an 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Parchment paper is particularly helpful for preventing sticking and lifting the finished bars out cleanly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients in a Large Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. Ensure these dry ingredients are well mixed. This even distribution is crucial for a consistent texture and flavor throughout the bars. If you’re adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, incorporate them now to evenly disperse them through the dry mixture.
- Melt Wet Ingredients (If Necessary): In a separate microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil. If your nut butter is very thick, microwaving it briefly (in 15-second intervals, stirring in between) will make it easier to mix. Similarly, if your coconut oil is solid, melt it gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop. You want these wet ingredients to be easily pourable and blend smoothly with the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Add the vanilla extract. Now, using a sturdy spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix everything together. The goal is to coat all the dry ingredients evenly with the wet mixture. It might take a few minutes of stirring to ensure everything is well combined and slightly sticky. The mixture should clump together when pressed.
- Press Mixture Firmly into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using your hands or the back of a spatula or spoon, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the dish. This is a crucial step for creating compact bars that hold their shape. Press down firmly to eliminate any air pockets and create a dense, even surface. The firmer you press, the less crumbly the bars will be.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars. They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch when done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. This is absolutely essential! Resist the urge to cut into them while they’re still warm. Cooling allows the bars to firm up properly and makes them much easier to cut and handle. Allowing them to cool completely can take at least an hour, or even longer. For best results, let them cool at room temperature and then optionally chill in the refrigerator for faster firming.
- Cut into Bars: Once completely cooled and firm, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang if you used it. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into bars of your desired size. For cleaner cuts, you can run the knife under warm water and wipe it clean between cuts. Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minute
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 7