My husband was looking for a healthy version of a granola bar and came across this on FoodConfidence.com, a recipe for Homemade Energy Bars. Each batch he’s made is a little different, using raisins one time then dried cherries the next. Also using honey for one batch and pure maple syrup for the next gave the bars just a little different sweetness. What’s nice about this recipe is you can use whatever fruits and sweeteners you like, it’s very flexible yet very yummy!!!
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1.5 cup McCain’s quick cooking oats
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped unsweetened cherries and a handful of raisin mix (any dried fruit will work)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup maple syrup (or agave, honey)
- ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 2 Tbsp ground flax seed
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
How To:
- Start by mashing the banana into the bottom of a bowl. Layer the remaining ingredients and combine with a spoon or your hands. If the mixture is too dry, add a little coconut oil or more maple syrup.
- Transfer and press the mixture into a Tupperware-type container. Freeze for a few hours.
- After a few hours, slice the semi-frozen mixture into whatever size bars you want.
- Wrap them individually and store in the freezer.
These bars are vegan, dairy free, gluten free (if you use gluten free oats) and have no artificial sweeteners.
You can beef up the protein level by adding protein powder to the mix or increase the fiber by adding in some oat bran.
