Easy Energy Bars
Make homemade energy bars with oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners. Easy 15-minute recipe yields 12 nutritious vegetarian snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup raw honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped raw walnuts
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao minimum)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, sea salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Warm the natural peanut butter and raw honey together in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until fully combined and smooth, about 3 minutes.
- 3
Remove the peanut butter mixture from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract until well blended.
- 4
Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- 5
Fold all ingredients together using a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula until every component is thoroughly moistened and the mixture holds together when pressed, about 2 minutes.
- 6
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang slightly for easy removal.
- 7
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly using the back of a measuring cup or your moistened hands until compact and level.
- 8
Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small bowl set over gently simmering water, stirring occasionally until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
- 9
Drizzle the melted chocolate across the surface of the pressed mixture in a thin, even layer.
- 10
Refrigerate the pan uncovered for at least 3 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set and the bars are firm throughout.
- 11
Lift the entire bar block from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a clean cutting board.
- 12
Cut into 12 equal rectangles using a sharp chef's knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- 13
Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze in individual portions for up to three months.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| raw honey | pure maple syrup | Maple syrup provides lower glycemic impact and adds distinctive earthy flavor while maintaining proper moisture content in bars |
| natural peanut butter | natural almond butter | Almond butter offers higher vitamin E content and prebiotic fiber while maintaining excellent binding properties |
| dark chocolate chips | unsweetened cacao nibs | Cacao nibs eliminate added sugars while providing polyphenols and maintain superior antioxidant content |
| unsweetened dried cranberries | unsweetened dried tart cherries | Tart cherries contain melatonin and powerful anti-inflammatory compounds while providing prebiotic benefits for gut health |
| ground flaxseed | ground chia seeds | Chia seeds deliver higher omega-3 content, superior mucilage for gut health, and better blood sugar regulation |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12)
| Calories | 268 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 11g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
