If you are someone who is always on the go but still wants to have a healthy snack, then this oats bar recipe is perfect for you. These bars can be made in advance and stored for a week, making it an ideal snack for a busy lifestyle. They are also easy to make, and you can customize them to your liking. The best part is that they are healthier than most store-bought bars as they do not contain any preservatives or chemicals.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the honey and peanut butter until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate chips, and cinnamon (if using) to the mixing bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Press the Mixture into the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Cut the Bars
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into desired sizes. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
These oats bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. Here is the approximate nutrition information for one bar:
Calories: 200
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Variations
You can customize these bars to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. Here are some variations you can try:
Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey
Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter
Use different types of nuts such as hazelnuts or cashews
Use different types of dried fruits such as apricots or blueberries
Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips
Conclusion
These oats bars are perfect for a quick and healthy snack on the go. They are easy to make, customizable, and can be stored for up to a week. Plus, they are healthier than most store-bought bars as they do not contain any preservatives or chemicals. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy your nutritious and delicious homemade oats bars.