Chocolate No-Bake Power Bars Recipe
These delightful Chocolate No-Bake Power Bars are a fantastic option for anyone seeking nutritious energy bars with an indulgent taste. Perfect for lunchboxes or as an afternoon pick-me-up, they deliver both flavor and sustenance, making them an excellent choice for families and busy individuals alike. This recipe has been adapted from Ellen’s Kitchen and is easy to follow, allowing you to create a satisfying snack that your kids will love.
Recipe Overview
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 35 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes | 48 bars | Approximately 48 bars |
Description
These bars are not only nutritious but also satisfy a sweet tooth with their rich chocolate coating and chewy texture. By using a blend of wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, sesame seeds, and honey, these power bars are a great energy booster for those on the go. The addition of chocolate chips and orange zest gives them a unique and delightful flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 bar) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 136.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.7 mg |
| Sodium | 30.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 11.6 g |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
Ingredients
To create these delicious power bars, gather the following ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Rolled oats |
| ½ cup | Sesame seeds |
| ½ cup | Raisins |
| ½ cup | Unsweetened dried shredded coconut |
| 1 cup | Toasted wheat germ |
| ½ cup | Butter |
| 1 cup | Margarine |
| ½ cup | White corn syrup |
| ½ cup | Honey |
| ¾ cup | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Chunky peanut butter |
| ¼ cup | Orange zest |
| 1 lemon | Lemon, rind of |
| 1 cup | Chocolate chips |
| ½ cup | Butter (for dipping) |
Instructions
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Prepare Sesame Seeds: In a frying pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and grind coarsely using a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Set aside for later use.
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Toast Oats: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the rolled oats evenly in a 10-inch by 15-inch baking pan. Toast the oats in the oven for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent them from scorching. Once they are lightly golden and fragrant, take them out and let them cool slightly.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted sesame seeds, raisins, unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted wheat germ, and ground oats. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Butter the inside of the same baking pan used for toasting the oats and set it aside. This will help prevent the bars from sticking once they are set.
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Make the Sweet Mixture: In the frying pan (without cleaning it), combine the white corn syrup and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Quickly add in the chunky peanut butter, orange zest, and lemon rind, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Immediately pour the hot sweet mixture over the dry oat mixture in the mixing bowl. Stir quickly but carefully to ensure that all the dry ingredients are coated with the sweet mixture.
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Press Into the Pan: Pour the combined mixture into the buttered baking pan. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased), press the mixture down evenly to form a solid layer.
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Chill and Set: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the bars are firm and set.
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Cut Into Bars: Once the mixture has firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into pieces approximately 1 ¼ by 2 ½ inches.
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Prepare Chocolate Coating: In the top of a double boiler, combine the chocolate chips and paraffin wax (optional for added firmness). Place it over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
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Dip the Bars: Using tongs, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the dipped bars on a wire rack set above waxed paper to catch any drips.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool until the chocolate coating has firmed up. If you used butter in the chocolate coating, you may need to chill the bars in the refrigerator for a bit longer. Once cool, you can serve the bars immediately or wrap each individually in foil for convenience.
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Storage: These power bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Tips and Variations
- Mix and Match Ingredients: Feel free to substitute or add other ingredients such as different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences.
- Nut Butter Options: If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the chunky peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Chocolate Coating Alternatives: If you want a simpler coating, you can skip the dipping step and drizzle melted chocolate over the bars instead.
With this recipe, you can easily make delicious Chocolate No-Bake Power Bars that are both healthy and satisfying, ensuring you always have a nutritious snack at hand. Enjoy these bars as part of your daily routine, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack!
