Homemade Eatmore Bars Recipe: Classic Canadian Sweet

Introduction

Eating a homemade version of Eatmore Bars offers a delightful way to enjoy this classic Canadian confectionery treat with the assurance of knowing exactly what’s in it. These bars are renowned for their dense, chewy texture, rich flavor profile, and satisfying crunch, making them a popular energy-boosting snack for Canadians and chocolate lovers alike. Originating from the early 20th century and created by the Lowney Company, Eatmore Bars have become an iconic part of Canadian confectionery history. Their unique blend of roasted peanuts, sweet corn syrup, and dark chocolate coating makes them a versatile treat suitable for various occasions, from quick snacks to homemade gift ideas. This comprehensive guide, published on Love With Recipes, will walk you through the intricacies of creating authentic, delicious Eatmore Bars from scratch, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Time

Total Preparation and Cooking Time

The entire process, from preparation to chilling and cutting, spans approximately 3 to 4 hours. The active preparation phase typically takes about 30 minutes, including measuring, mixing, and assembling. The majority of the time is spent on cooling and setting the bars, which is crucial for achieving the proper chewy texture and neat presentation. To ensure optimal firmness, refrigeration for at least 2 hours is recommended, although overnight chilling can yield even better results. Patience during the cooling phase is essential for slicing the bars into perfect squares or rectangles without crumbling.

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls – at least two, for combining ingredients and mixing components
• Medium saucepan – for heating corn syrup and brown sugar
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement
• 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan – for pressing the mixture and setting the bars
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – to line the baking pan for easy removal
• Microwave-safe bowl – for melting chocolate chips
• Double boiler or microwave – for melting chocolate evenly
• Offset spatula or butter knife – for spreading and drizzling chocolate
• Sharp chef’s knife or bar cutter – for slicing the set bars into perfect portions
• Refrigerator or cool, dry place – for setting and storing the bars
• Optional: Food processor or chopper – for finely chopping peanuts if desired
• Kitchen scale – for precise measurement of ingredients, especially if scaling recipes

Tags

• Canadian Sweets
• Homemade Candy
• Energy Bars
• Peanut Treats
• Chocolate Coated Snacks
• Confectionery
• Snack Recipes
• Homemade Candy Bars

Serving Size

Each batch yields approximately 12 to 16 bars, depending on the size and shape of slices. A typical serving size is one bar, which contains about 250 to 300 calories. These bars are substantial and dense, making them a satisfying snack or energy boost. For portion control, consider cutting the bars into smaller pieces or sharing with friends and family. They also make excellent homemade gifts when wrapped properly.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as intermediate due to the need for precise timing, melting, and pressing techniques. It requires some experience with handling hot syrups, melting chocolate, and working with sticky mixtures. However, with careful attention to detail and patience, even home bakers with moderate experience can successfully produce authentic Eatmore Bars. The process involves multiple steps, including boiling, mixing, pressing, and chocolate coating, each essential for achieving the authentic texture and flavor.

Allergen Information

Note: This recipe is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies or sensitivities. Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if using store-bought components.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for omnivores and those who enjoy gluten-free ingredients, provided that the crispy rice cereal used is certified gluten-free. It is not vegan due to the presence of honey or dairy in some chocolate chips and peanut butter, but can be adapted with plant-based alternatives.

Course

Snack, Dessert, Energy Bar

Cuisine

Canadian Confectionery, Western Dessert

Ingredients

Ingredient Components and Quantities

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

Begin by lining your 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures easy removal and clean slicing post-set. Lightly grease the parchment or silicone surface to prevent sticking, especially if your mixture is sticky. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted and chopped peanuts with the crispy rice cereal. Mix thoroughly to distribute the peanuts evenly throughout the cereal, ensuring each bite will have a satisfying crunch. This mixture forms the base of your bar, providing both flavor and texture contrast.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup and brown sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to prevent burning and ensure uniform melting. The mixture will start to bubble and thicken as the sugar dissolves entirely.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining a steady temperature. Once boiling, allow it to cook for exactly 1 minute. This precise timing is crucial for achieving the correct consistency, as overboiling can make the mixture too thick and difficult to work with, while underboiling may result in a less cohesive bar.

Step 3: Incorporate Peanut Butter and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully add the peanut butter to the hot syrup mixture. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and stir well to incorporate, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Pour the hot peanut butter and syrup mixture over the peanut and cereal mixture in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together carefully, ensuring each piece of cereal and peanut is coated evenly. The mixture will be sticky but manageable; work swiftly to prevent it from cooling and becoming too firm to mix properly.

Step 5: Press into the Pan

Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, your hands (dipped in a little water to prevent sticking), or a piece of parchment paper, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Apply even pressure to create a flat, compact surface. Pressing firmly is key to achieving the dense, chewy texture characteristic of Eatmore Bars.

Step 6: Melting the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler for gentle, even melting. Be cautious not to overheat, as chocolate can seize or burn.

Step 7: Drizzle and Set

Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the pressed mixture in the pan. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a decorative drizzle, or pour the chocolate in a thin stream for a more uniform coating. For a more polished look, you can spread the melted chocolate evenly across the surface, but the classic Eatmore appearance features a drizzle.

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Chilling allows the chocolate to firm up and the entire bar to become dense and chewy.

Step 8: Cutting and Serving

Once completely cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices and cut slowly through the bars. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Preparation Tips

• Peanut prep: For extra flavor, toast the peanuts lightly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nuttiness.
• Chocolate melting: Melting chocolate in short bursts prevents overheating; stir well between intervals. Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor.
• Pressing firmly: Applying consistent, firm pressure ensures the bar holds together and achieves the ideal chewy density.
• Cooling environment: Avoid drafts and humid conditions during cooling to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Customizations: Add mix-ins like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or additional chocolate chips for variation.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Scaling: Adjust the quantities proportionally for larger batches or smaller portions.
• Chocolate decoration: For a decorative touch, swirl white chocolate or colored candy melts over the dark chocolate drizzle.
• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
• Texture control: Use crunchy or smooth peanut butter based on your texture preference.
• Enhanced flavor: Incorporate a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sweet-salty contrast.

Add-ons and Variations

• Chocolate coating: Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark for a different flavor profile.
• Nut alternatives: Substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or other roasted nuts.
• Additional inclusions: Add dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan option: Replace peanut butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

Eatmore Bars are perfect on their own but can be complemented with:

• Fresh fruit slices like apple or pear for a refreshing contrast
• Vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert pairing
• Hot beverages like coffee, espresso, or milk for dipping or pairing
• Yogurt parfaits with granola and berries for a lighter snack

Improvements and Customizations

• Adding texture: Incorporate crushed pretzels or toffee bits for additional crunch and flavor complexity.
• Flavor infusions: Mix a touch of cinnamon or espresso powder into the chocolate or peanut mixture for depth.
• Presentation: Wrap individual bars in parchment or decorative wrappers for gifting or sharing.
• Healthier tweaks: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and opt for dark chocolate with high cocoa content for added antioxidants.

Save and Store

Proper storage is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your Eatmore Bars. Once cooled and cut, store the bars in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to a month. When freezing, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve their chewy consistency.

FAQ

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes. Replace the peanut butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegan dark chocolate chips, and ensure that the crispy rice cereal is gluten-free and vegan-certified. The process remains the same, but verify all ingredients for vegan compliance.

Can I substitute other nuts for peanuts?

Absolutely. Almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts can be used for a different flavor and texture. Toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced nuttiness.

How long do homemade Eatmore Bars last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh for about a week. Refrigeration extends their shelf life up to two weeks. Freezing preserves them for up to a month but may slightly alter the texture.

Can I bake these bars like traditional baked goods?

No, these bars are no-bake treats relying on pressing and chilling instead of baking. The melting of chocolate is the only heat involved post-assembly.

What can I do if my bars are too sticky or soft?

Refrigerate the bars longer, ideally overnight. Adding a bit more crispy rice cereal in future batches can also improve firmness and prevent excessive stickiness.

Conclusion

Recreating the nostalgic taste of Canadian Eatmore Bars at home allows you to indulge in a rich, chewy, and crunchy treat tailored to your preferences. The process combines simple ingredients with precise techniques to produce a satisfying snack that echoes the original candy’s unique charm. With options for customization and health-conscious tweaks, these homemade bars can become a staple in your snack repertoire. Remember to enjoy them in moderation, savoring each bite of their complex flavors and textures. Love With Recipes is dedicated to helping you craft delicious, nostalgic, and innovative recipes, and this homemade Eatmore Bars recipe is no exception. Happy baking and indulging!

References

• Canadian Confectionery History – canadianhistory.ca
• Lowney Company Archives – lowney.ca