These breakfast bars are a tasty way to kickstart your morning! Made with oats, nuts, and a hint of honey, they’re chewy and crunchy at the same time.
They’re super easy to grab on busy days! I love packing them for a snack, or just enjoying one with my coffee. Who says breakfast can’t be fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These form the base of the bars, providing chewiness and fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats. Just keep in mind they may give a slightly different texture.
Puffed Rice Cereal: This adds some lightness and crunch. You can swap it out for puffed corn or even crispy rice cereal. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Nut Butter: Peanut butter is delicious, but almond butter works too! If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey for sweetness or maple syrup for a vegan option. Agave syrup can also be a substitute if you want something different.
Dried Fruit: Feel free to mix and match your favorites! I often use dried apricots or goji berries. If you want to cut down on sugar, use unsweetened dried fruits.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients Without Making a Mess?
Mixing can sometimes get messy, but there’s a simple way to keep things tidy. Start by using a large bowl, and be sure to measure your ingredients first. That way, when it’s time to combine them, you’ll just pour everything in.
- Combine the dry ingredients (oats, cereal, nuts, and fruit) first.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients (nut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt).
- Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients and stir slowly. A spatula or wooden spoon works best here for evenly coating everything!
Press firmly into the pan to compact your mixture before refrigerating. This helps the bars hold their shape when you cut them!
How to Make Delicious Breakfast Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/3 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp white chocolate drizzle (melted white chocolate)
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate drizzle (melted dark chocolate)
How Long Will It Take?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just over 2 hours, you’ll have delicious breakfast bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking oil. This will help the bars come out easily once they’re set.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir them together so they’re evenly mixed and ready for the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Take a small saucepan and warm the peanut butter and honey over low heat. Stir it continuously until it’s smooth and well blended. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in your bowl. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and sticky.
5. Transfer to the Pan:
Now, transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure everything holds together well.
6. Add Toppings (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top and drizzle the melted white and dark chocolate over everything for a tasty finish!
7. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the pan and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm. This helps the bars to hold their shape when you cut them.
8. Cut into Bars:
Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into rectangles or squares, whatever size you prefer!
9. Store the Bars:
Keep the breakfast bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!
Enjoy your homemade breakfast bars as a quick morning meal or a nutritious snack anytime! They’re perfect for on-the-go munching!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is a classic choice, feel free to use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just ensure the consistency is similar to make mixing easier!
How Can I Customize My Breakfast Bars?
You can customize these bars by changing the type of nuts, dried fruits, or even adding extras like shredded coconut or chocolate chips. Mix and match based on your preferences!
Can I Make These Breakfast Bars Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use vegan chocolate for the drizzles. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
