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Instructions
Making these no-bake nut and seed bars is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, and seeds. If you’re using dried fruit, add it here as well. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat on the stove until both ingredients are melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure all the oats and nuts are coated with the nut butter and sweetener mixture. You should have a sticky, dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Press the Mixture into a Pan
Line a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press down hard to ensure the bars hold together.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. The cold temperature helps everything bind together and makes them easy to cut.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once the bars are firm, remove them from the fridge and slice them into squares or rectangles. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
Tips for Customizing Your Bars
One of the best things about these no-bake nut and seed bars is how customizable they are! Here are a few ways to make them your own:
- Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, feel free to substitute the nuts with more seeds or use a seed butter like sunflower seed butter.
- Add Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, melt a bit of dark chocolate and drizzle it on top of the bars before refrigerating.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture to make these bars a great post-workout snack.
- Extra Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warming, spiced flavor.
- Make Them Vegan: Use maple syrup and a plant-based nut butter for a vegan-friendly version of these bars.
Why These Bars Are a Healthy Choice
These no-bake nut and seed bars are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which provide steady energy without the sugar crash. They also contain antioxidants from the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making them an excellent snack choice for promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
With no refined sugars and simple, whole ingredients, they offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings and keep you energized throughout the day.
Conclusion
Next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and whip up these easy, no-bake nut and seed bars. They’re quick to make, super customizable, and most importantly, incredibly delicious and healthy! Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or just need a snack in a pinch, these bars will always be ready to satisfy your cravings and give you that perfect energy boost.
Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making them all the time! 🌰✨
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