Fruit, Honey, and Coconut Energy Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 220.9 kcal
Description
Why spend $3 to $4 on a box of overpriced trail mix-style energy bars when you can easily make your own delicious and nutritious bars at home? This homemade Fruit, Honey, and Coconut Energy Bars recipe is a simple and cost-effective solution that combines the natural sweetness of honey, the richness of peanut butter, and the crunchiness of puffed brown rice cereal. Perfect for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or even as a quick dessert, these bars are a versatile and healthy option for anyone looking to fuel their day with whole foods.
What’s more, this recipe is easily customizable. You can use natural, low-sugar, or low-fat peanut butters, substitute raisins for dried cherries, or even add chocolate or carob chips for an extra indulgence. For added texture and crunch, you can throw in sesame seeds along with the sunflower seeds. The best part? It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking! A healthier homemade alternative to store-bought bars that will satisfy your hunger and fuel your body in a wholesome way.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 tsp |
| Sunflower seeds | 1/3 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 2/3 cup |
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 1/3 cup |
| Shredded coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
| Chocolate chips | Optional, as desired |
| Carob chips | Optional, as desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 100.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 13.9 g |
| Protein | 6.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan
Begin by greasing an 8×8-inch pan lightly with butter. This will prevent the energy bars from sticking once they’ve set. -
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well-incorporated, creating a smooth mixture. -
Add Dry Ingredients
Add in the sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients with the peanut butter mixture. -
Incorporate Puffed Rice
Gradually add the puffed brown rice cereal to the bowl, stirring gently to mix it into the sticky peanut butter mixture. If the mixture becomes difficult to stir with a spoon, use your hands to mix it more thoroughly. This part can get messy, but it’s also fun – kids love getting involved at this stage! -
Press into the Pan
Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use your hands (dampened slightly to avoid sticking) to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer you press it, the better the bars will hold together once refrigerated. -
Chill and Set
Once the mixture is compacted into the pan, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for about 2 hours. This will allow the bars to set and firm up, making them easier to cut. -
Cut and Serve
After the bars have chilled and firmed up, remove them from the refrigerator. Cut into 12 equal-sized bars, or more if you prefer smaller portions. -
Enjoy
These energy bars are rich and satisfying, offering a burst of energy and essential nutrients. They are perfect for a quick snack on the go, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day.
Customization Tips
- Peanut Butter: You can use any variety of peanut butter, but for a healthier option, opt for natural or low-sugar peanut butter.
- Dried Fruits: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, try swapping them out for raisins, apricots, or dried figs.
- Coconut: If you’re not keen on coconut, you can omit it or replace it with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Seeds: While sunflower seeds are a great choice, you can substitute them with pumpkin seeds or flax seeds for added nutrition.
- Sweeteners: For a lower-sugar version, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage Tips
These energy bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. They’re perfect for meal prep and make a great snack for road trips, camping, or school lunches.
Why You’ll Love These Energy Bars
These Fruit, Honey, and Coconut Energy Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They are not only quick and easy to make but also customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Packed with protein from peanut butter and fiber from dried fruit and puffed rice, these bars provide long-lasting energy without the added preservatives or artificial ingredients found in many store-bought bars. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a breakfast on the go, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these homemade bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
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- Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
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- Homemade Trail Mix
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