Tired of searching for the perfect grab-and-go snack that isn’t loaded with unpronounceable ingredients? Look no further! These Peanut Butter Apple Cereal Bars are the answer to your busy mornings and afternoon slumps. They blend the comforting crunch of oat cereal with the chewy sweetness of dried apples and the rich, satisfying flavor of peanut butter. In just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of wholesome, homemade bars that are perfect for lunchboxes, post-workout fuel, or a simple, satisfying treat. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 cups / 400g sweetened oat cereal flakes with raisins
• 3/4 cup / 68g quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup / 60g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup / 75g snipped dried apples
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup / 170g honey
• 1/2 cup / 128g chunky peanut butter
• 1/3 cup / 76g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F / 165°C. Line a 9x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, making sure to extend the foil over the edges to create ‘handles’. Lightly coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray and set the pan aside.
2. Combine Dry : In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oat cereal flakes, quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, and snipped dried apples until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet : In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, honey, chunky peanut butter, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Bring It All Together: Pour the wet peanut butter mixture over the dry cereal mixture. Use a spatula to fold and stir until all the dry are completely and evenly coated.
5. Press and Bake: Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Using the back of a large spoon or a spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown.
6. Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly! Once cooled, use the foil handles to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 bars.
Nutritional Information
• Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g
• is an estimate and may vary based on the specific used.
Pro Tips
• For extra-firm bars that hold together perfectly, place a piece of parchment paper on top of the mixture in the pan and press down firmly with your hands or the bottom of a flat glass.
• Feel free to customize! Swap the dried apples for dried cranberries or cherries, or use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute.
• For the cleanest cuts, ensure the bars are completely cooled. You can even chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing with a large, sharp knife.
• For easy grab-and-go snacks, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these peanut butter apple bars vegan
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. For the eggs, use two ‘flax eggs’ (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water). Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a plant-based butter or melted coconut oil instead of dairy butter.
Q: How can I add more protein to these vegetarian snack bars
A: To boost the protein content, consider adding 1/4 cup of your favorite vegetarian protein powder to the dry ingredients. You can also mix in 1/4 cup of seeds like chia, hemp, or pumpkin seeds for an extra protein and fiber kick.
Q: Can I make a nut-free version of these vegetarian bars
A: Absolutely! For a delicious nut-free alternative, simply swap the chunky peanut butter for an equal amount of sunflower seed butter or tahini. This makes them a great option for nut-free lunchboxes.
Q: What is the best way to store these homemade vegetarian bars
A: For optimal freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; just wrap them individually for a quick grab-and-go snack.
