Super-Energy Nut Bars
Looking for an energy boost, either first thing in the morning or during that mid-afternoon lull? Look no further than these tasty and nutritious nut bars, which turn the energy dial up to 11. Packed full of delicious and take-you-all-the-way-to-dinner nuts and dried fruit, all combined with a give-me-energy-now hit of honey and maple syrup, these bars just might be the perfect superhero snack.
Dry Ingredients
- 200g rolled oats
- 100g peanuts
- 100g almonds
- 50g pumpkin seeds
- 50g sesame seeds
- 100g dates or other dried fruit
Wet Ingredients
- 120g honey
- 80g maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place one rack on the bottom shelf and another rack in the middle.
- Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spread out the nuts and seeds evenly on one baking sheet.
- Spread out the rolled oats evenly on the other baking sheet.
- Place the nuts and seeds on the bottom rack and the oats on the middle rack.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove the nuts and seeds; continue baking the oats for another 7 minutes.
- Allow the oats, nuts, and seeds to cool. (Don't throw out the parchment paper sheets.)
- Chop the cooled nuts.
- Chop the dates.
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Prepare an 8x10 or 7x11 pan:
- Line the pan with one of the sheets of parchment paper from the bake.
- Coat the parchment paper with oil (such as sunflower oil).
- Oil one side of the other sheet of parchment paper.
- Add the wet ingredients to a small saucepan.
- Cook the wet ingredients on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until a quick-read thermometer inserted into the liquid reads 260°F.
- Add to cooked liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Add the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Place the oiled side of the second sheet of parchment paper down on the mixture and use a spoon and/or potato masher to press the mixture into place.
- Cool the mixture in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
- Remove from the fridge and let sit for 30-60 minutes. (You want the mixture to be warm enough that it doesn't shatter when you try to cut it.)
- Cut into 24 pieces.