No-Bake Oat and Nut Bars

These No-Bake Oat and Nut Bars are the perfect quick and healthy snack for busy days. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these bars are not only delicious but also provide a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and bound together with nut butter and coconut oil, making them an ideal grab-and-go breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert. This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, offering a versatile base for a variety of add-ins like seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (75g) mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or cashews), roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60g) natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/4 cup (60g) coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Line the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they are set.

Step 2: Toast the Oats and Nuts (Optional)

1. Toast for Extra Flavor: For enhanced flavor, toast the oats and chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they become golden and fragrant. This step is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the bars. Allow the toasted oats and nuts to cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and raisins or dried cranberries. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Mixture

1. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and gently warmed. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This wet mixture will help bind the dry ingredients together.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Everything: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. Ensure that there are no dry spots and everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan

1. Press the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon, a spatula, or even your hands (lightly oiled or with a sheet of parchment to prevent sticking) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Compacting the mixture tightly is key to helping the bars hold together once set.

Step 7: Chill and Set

1. Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. Chilling allows the coconut oil and nut butter to solidify, which helps bind the bars.

Step 8: Cut into Bars

1. Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size. You can cut them into squares, rectangles, or even smaller bite-sized pieces.

Step 9: Store

1. Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can also freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Tips for Perfect No-Bake Oat and Nut Bars

• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Add seeds like chia or flax, dried fruits like apricots or dates, or even dark chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your taste or dietary preferences. For a less sweet option, reduce the quantity slightly.
• Alternative Nut Butters: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Texture Variations: For a softer texture, use quick oats instead of rolled oats. For a chewier texture, consider adding some puffed rice or quinoa.

Nutrition Information (per bar, makes 12 bars)

• Calories: 170
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 4g

These No-Bake Oat and Nut Bars are a simple yet satisfying treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert. Customize them with your favorite ingredients to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy a delicious, homemade snack that’s both nutritious and delicious!