Pack It and Go Energy Bars are the perfect on-the-go snack, whether you’re gearing up for a hike, planning a picnic, embarking on a camping adventure, or simply need a quick pick-me-up while on the road! This recipe, sourced from Foodnetwork.com, falls under the delightful category of Bar Cookies and is enriched with the goodness of fruits and nuts, bringing a taste of the Southwestern U.S. straight to your kitchen. With just a dash of oven magic and some creative assembly, you’ll have a batch of these delectable bars ready to fuel your adventures in no time!
🕒 Preparation Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Cooking Time: 40 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup toasted wheat germ
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the oats and sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, until they turn golden and aromatic. Once done, set them aside to cool.
- Increase the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for the next step.
- In a food processor, combine the dark and golden raisins, along with the toasted oats and almonds. Pulse the mixture about 10 times until you achieve a coarsely chopped texture. Set this fruity-nutty blend aside for later use.
- In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together both types of flour, dry milk, toasted wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Pour in the milk and continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Now, add the coarsely chopped dried fruit and nut mixture to the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout.
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 18 individual bars, each measuring approximately 1 x 4 inches.
- For convenient storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or place them in snack-sized baggies.
- These Pack It and Go Energy Bars will stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature. For extended storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a delicious and nutritious snack ready whenever adventure calls!
These bars are not only bursting with flavor but also pack a nutritional punch, providing you with a wholesome blend of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein to keep you energized during your outdoor escapades. So, whether you’re hitting the trails, lounging at a campsite, or embarking on a road trip, don’t forget to pack these delightful bars for a taste of homemade goodness wherever your journey takes you!
