Are you tired of energy bars that promise a boost but leave you feeling unsatisfied? Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you – an energy bar recipe that not only tastes amazing but actually energizes you. Say goodbye to store-bought bars filled with artificial ingredients and hello to a nutritious and delicious homemade option.

Our recipe is packed with natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, providing you with the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you going throughout the day. Whether you need a pre-workout snack or a pick-me-up during a busy afternoon, our recipe for energy bars will give you the fuel you need without any crash later on.

Benefits of Homemade Energy Bars

When it comes to energy bars, there are numerous benefits to making them at home. Firstly, homemade bars give you complete control over the ingredients used. Unlike store-bought bars that often contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, homemade energy bars can be made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients. This means you can avoid artificial sweeteners, refined sugars, and ingredients that can leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied.

Another advantage of making your own energy bars is the ability to customize them to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, you can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate your needs. Plus, by making energy bars at home, you can save money in the long run. Store-bought bars can be expensive, especially if you eat them regularly. With homemade bars, you can have a cost-effective and healthier alternative.

Key Ingredients for Our California-Grown Energizing Energy Bars

To create energy bars that actually energize, it’s important to include key ingredients that provide the right balance of nutrients. Here are some essential components to consider:

1. Nuts: Nuts are energy powerhouses and provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are all great options for your bars.
2. Seeds: Another powerhouse of energy happens to be seeds, and our energy bar recipe calls for a trifecta of flax seed meal, chia seeds, and white sesame seeds.
3. Dried Fruit: Dried fruit not only adds natural sweetness, but also supplies essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We opted for California prunes, but dates, raisins, or apricots are also excellent choices that provide a burst of flavor and energy.
4. Sweetener: While it’s best to limit added sugars, a small amount of natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can enhance the taste of your bars without causing a sugar crash.

These key ingredients form the foundation of our energizing energy bars. You can add other optional ingredients based on your personal preferences and dietary requirements.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Energy Bars

Now that we’ve covered the benefits and key ingredients needed to make this recipe, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making energy bars at home:

Tips for Customizing Your Energy Bars

One of the best things about making your own energy bars is the ability to customize them according to your preferences. Here are a few tips to help you create personalized bars that suit your taste:

1. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavor combinations by swapping out the vanilla extract for spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Or by swapping out the suggested dried fruit, nuts, and seeds for another variety that you love.
2. Texture: Play around with the texture of your bars by adjusting the ratio of ingredients. Substitute oats for the puffed rice cereal. For a crunchier texture, increase the amount of nuts and seeds. If you prefer chewier bars, add more dried fruit.

Bring another layer of flavor with chocolate

While these energy bars are great on their own, they are even better, with a thin layer of chocolate added at the finish. This process is super easy but really transforms this recipe.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for customizing your energy bars. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find your perfect combination.

Storing and Preserving Energy Bars

To ensure the longevity and freshness of your homemade energy bars, proper storage is essential. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars within a week, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag, separated by wax or parchment paper is sufficient. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
2. Refrigeration: If you live in a hot or humid climate refrigerating the bars can help maintain their shape and freshness for a longer period. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
3. Freezing: Energy bars can also be frozen for extended storage. Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.

With the right combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and other wholesome ingredients, you can create bars that not only taste amazing but also provide sustained energy without any crash. So why settle for store-bought bars that leave you wanting more when you can enjoy homemade bars that truly energize?

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California Grown Energy Bars

Meg van der Kruik

Say goodbye to fueling yourself with a store-bought energy bar filled with artificial ingredients. Opt for a nutritious & delicious homemade bar.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, desserts, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 bars

Calories 359 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

FOR THE BARS:

• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups whole unsalted almonds
• 1/2 cup unsalted walnuts
• 3/4 cup raw pistachios
• 1/2 cup diced prunes
• 1/4 cup puffed rice
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

FOR THE CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE: (OPTIONAL)

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Instructions

 

• Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 325°F (163℃). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper that hangs over the pan on 2 sides to form a sling. Coat the pan and a large bowl with cooking spray.
• Place the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until lightly browned and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Coarsely chop the toasted nuts while still warm. Transfer to the greased bowl.
• Add the chopped prunes, puffed rice, flaxseed meal, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and vanilla. Stir with a silicone spatula to combine.
• Warm the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to make it easier to pour.
• Immediately pour the warm syrup over the nut mixture and stir until the nuts and seeds are evenly coated.
• Transfer the nut mixture to baking pan. Scrape the nut mixture into the prepared pan. Press into an even and compact layer with the spatula. Sprinkle the salt over the top.
• Bake the bars. Bake until the bars are dry and lightly toasted, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Partially cool the bars in the pan. Place the pan on a cooling rack and cool the bars in the pan until they are pliable and can be lifted out of the pan with the parchment sling without breaking apart, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Lift the slab out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Spray a large knife with cooking spray and cut the slab into bars. Do not move the bars once they have been cut, leave them on the cutting board to cool completely.
• Once the bars have cooled and set, combine the chocolate and coconut oil in a shallow, wide, microwave-safe bowl, such as a cereal bowl. Microwave on high power until melted, 30 to 60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper on a work surface. Dip the bottom of each bar in the chocolate and place on parchment. Refrigerate the bars for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
• Transfer the bars to an airtight container, dividing each layer with a piece of parchment to keep the bars from sticking together. Bars can also be wrapped individually in parchment paper for easy transport.

Notes

To store these energy bars:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars within a week, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag is sufficient. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
2. Refrigeration: If you live in a hot or humid climate refrigerating the bars can help maintain their shape and freshness for a longer period. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
3. Freezing: Energy bars can also be frozen for extended storage. Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 6gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 115IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 3mg

Keyword almond, energy bar, Pistachio, walnut

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Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Bar Recipes