chewy energy bars

I’m always looking for semi-healthy snacks for the kids- things that are not processed and full of sugar. We eat loads of fruit, but I like having chewy and crunchy things to munch on too.

I’ve also been experimenting with sugar alternatives like brown rice syrup. I already use maple syrup and agave nectar here and there and try to use them more in my baking.

I’ve had this recipe for “sports bars” from a Bon Appetite magazine circa 2002. The original recipe calls for corn syrup, which I substituted with brown rice syrup and agave. The results were excellent. The kids love them too. Of course, they would prefer if I put chocolate chips in them too.

Here is the recipe:
3 cups puffed whole grain cereal (such as Kashi)
1/2 cup nuts (any kind, I used cashews & sunflower seeds because that’s what I had)
1/2 – 3/4 cup assorted dried fruit (I used chopped apricots & golden raisins)
1/3 cup creamy nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower or cashew – any kind will work)
1/4 cup agave (or honey)
1/4 cup brown rice syrup

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.  Coat 9-inch square metal baking pan with oil, margarine or butter.  Mix cereal, nuts and dried fruit in medium bowl.  Combine nut butter, agave & brown rice syrup in heavy small saucepan.  Bring to boil, whisking constantly until mixture bubbles vigorously and thickens slightly, about 1 minute.  Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture in bowl; stir to blend.  Transfer mixture to prepared pan; press to compact.  Bake until just golden around edges, about 8-10 minutes.  Cool completely.  Cut into bars.   Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.

Enjoy!!

This entry was posted in Food, recipes and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

10 Responses to chewy energy bars

  1. Wendy says:

    Yum! I love the bigger pieces of nuts. I’ve been seeing a lot of these recipes around and I’m so glad about it. I’ve got to make myself some!

  2. Alexis says:

    Looks delish! I will have to try this. The problem with these sorts of things, is that I eat too many!

  3. Oh! Thanks for sharing – I’m definitely going to give these a try! *smiles* ~Jen

  4. Sidney says:

    Thank you! Can’t wait to try this…

  5. Anastasia says:

    these look delicious – im going to give them a go!!
    hey loved your recycled paper bag project in Country Living mag! was excited to see your name! Hugs!

  6. Dot says:

    These look really yummy! I’m always looking for new variations on granola bars.
    I linked to you on the Foodwhirl facebook page
    http://blog.creativekismet.com/2010/03/03/chewy-energy-bars/

    PS, I’d love for you to do a guest post on foodwhirl.com sometime 🙂

    dot

  7. Jessica says:

    So, I know I’d love these but let me ask, do your kids love them?

  8. Teresa says:

    YUM! gotta try these!

  9. Super-E loves them and has been taking them to school for snack time. My little guy likes them okay but eats them in much smaller pieces.

    I, of course, like them a little too much.

  10. Kelsey says:

    Is there an alternative for the brown rice syrup? Could I just use more honey?

Comments are closed.