This is a flexible recipe that has evolved over time. Some of the ingredients use up things we have at hand (ex: bits of cereal at the bottom of the bag) or are preferences (we love coconut, are very anti-raisin). Have noted some substitutions/swaps for more readily available ingredients, though feel free to experiment.
To make it easier to track adjustments, I switched to weight measures. I’ll try to snag the current volume measures next time I make them.
Energy Bars (small batch)
Wet mix
- 100g membrillo or date paste (also have used pitted dates with a splash of hot water)
- 100g peanut butter (we use natural creamy from Trader Joes, though crunchy would also work or whatever nut butter you fancy)
- 100g brown rice syrup (could use corn syrup, maple syrup or honey, though with the last two, you may want to reduce the quantity and add a bit more nut butter)
Dry mix - 60g quick oats, toasted50g unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted (we use finely shredded, could do flakes as well or swap in chopped dried fruit)
- 30g brown rice crispies (regular are fine as well, could try other small puffed cereal)
- 50g cereal bits (can swap more brown rice crispies, we just have a lot of bits left over from Ben’s morning cereal)
- 75g nuts, sliced or chopped (sliced almonds, chopped cashews or peanuts – whatever you fancy; can swap in dried fruit)
- handful of chocolate chips
- line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment, wax paper or foil (or double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan)
- toast oats and coconut – can skip if short on time, toast on stovetop or in oven; it’s about 3-4 minutes on stovetop for the oats, put the coconut in at the last minute or so
- combine wet mix and heat (I use a 2c pyrex and microwave it – have also heated it up on the stove)
- measure remaining dry mix ingredients EXCEPT chocolate in large mixing bowl
- add toasted oats and coconut and toss to combine
- add wet mix to bowl and stir thoroughly
- add in the chocolate chips and give it a quick stir before pressing into prepared pan
- press the mixture out evenly across the pan
- put in the freezer or fridge to set (20 mins or whatever time you have; can leave overnight, though if in the freezer, will need to leave out for a while before cutting)
- cut into bars, squares, or bites