Written by: Nonna Maria · Expert in Italian Cuisine, Gluten-Free Cooking, Traditional Recipes
Published: March 11, 2024
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Homemade Energy Bars: Fueling Your Active Lifestyle
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.
Introduction
Whether you are hitting the gym, going for a run, or simply need a quick pick-me-up during a busy day, homemade energy bars are the perfect fuel to keep you going. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support your active lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as dates, apricots, or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup seeds (such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the oats until they are finely ground. Transfer the ground oats to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to the food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Add this mixture to the bowl with the ground oats.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, cinnamon, and salt over low heat. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is evenly spread out and firmly packed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Once cooled, you can store the energy bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
These homemade energy bars are not only easy to make but also customizable to your taste preferences. Feel free to add in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or protein powder to make them your own. Enjoy these delicious bars as a pre-workout snack or a mid-day energy boost!
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