Making your own snack bars at home can be a healthier and more affordable alternative to store-bought options. This recipe for easy and quick snack bars requires just a few simple ingredients, including rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and honey. The mixture is pressed into a baking dish, chilled, and then sliced into bars or squares. Variations can be made by using different nut butters, sweeteners, and add-ins such as dried fruit or seeds. Homemade snack bars are a convenient and tasty snack option that can be tailored to your taste and dietary requirements.
How to Make Quick and Easy Snack Bars at Home
Introduction
Snack bars are a convenient and delicious way to curb your hunger pangs while on the go. However, store-bought snack bars can be quite expensive and might not always meet your dietary requirements. Homemade snack bars can be a healthier and more affordable alternative, and the best part is that they do not require any fancy ingredients or baking skills. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide and recipe for making quick and easy snack bars at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and crispy rice cereal and stir well.
- If you are using nuts, chop them finely and add them to the mixing bowl.
- If you are using chocolate chips, set them aside for later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter and honey for 30 seconds, until they are melted and easy to stir.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
- Pour the melted peanut butter and honey mixture into the mixing bowl with the oats, rice cereal, and nuts.
- Stir the ingredients until everything is well combined and coated in the peanut butter and honey mixture.
- If you are using chocolate chips, add them to the mixing bowl and gently stir them in.
Step 3: Pressing the Mixture into the Baking Dish
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the dish.
- Make sure to press it down well, so that the bars hold together and do not crumble.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
- Put the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm.
- Take the dish out of the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice the mixture into bars or squares.
- Wrap the snack bars individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations and Tips
- You can vary this recipe by using different nut butters such as almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Try adding in some dried fruits or seeds for extra nutrition and flavor.
- When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, wet your hands or the spatula to prevent sticking.
- The snack bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Homemade snack bars are a wholesome and delicious snack that can fit into any busy lifestyle. With this simple recipe and method, you can create your own snack bars that are customized to your taste, budget, and dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy your homemade snack bars wherever you go!