Are you craving a delicious and healthy snack that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! These sugar-free muesli bars are the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and satisfying, making them an ideal breakfast, snack, or even a post-workout treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened, they're a guilt-free indulgence that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy homemade cooking and create delicious dishes without refined sugar. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or other nut butter)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener like honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (almond, coconut, or dairy)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. This is a crucial step for easy removal and clean-up.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all the ingredients. This step creates the base of your delicious and healthy muesli bars.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. This ensures a perfectly combined wet mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly moistened. Don't overmix; a few slightly dry spots are okay.
Step 5: Bake the Muesli Bars
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Ensure an even layer for consistent baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the bars are firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the muesli bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, cut into your desired size bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Muesli Bars:
- For extra crunch: Add a tablespoon of sunflower seeds or sesame seeds.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a tablespoon more maple syrup. Taste the mixture before baking to adjust to your preference.
- Customize your nuts and seeds: Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts and seeds. Experiment with different combinations!
- Add dried fruit: A small amount of chopped dried cranberries or raisins can add sweetness and flavor.
Variations:
- Chocolate Muesli Bars: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Fruity Muesli Bars: Add ½ cup of chopped dried fruit (like cranberries or cherries) to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per bar – approximate, varies based on ingredients used):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fiber: 3-5g
These sugar-free muesli bars are a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes. They are quick dinner ideas and are great for those following easy recipes for healthy meals. Enjoy your homemade cooking! They are a great addition to your collection of best recipes.