Description
Looking for a snack that’s chewy, crunchy, and full of wholesome goodness? These Power-Up Protein Bars are exactly what you need! Packed with puffed rice cereal, dried fruits, seeds, and peanut butter, these bars provide the perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition. Whether you’re fueling up before a workout or need a midday pick-me-up, these homemade bars are a healthy, no-preservative alternative to store-bought snacks. Plus, they’re so easy to make—you’ll want to whip up a batch every week!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 4 teaspoons butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine puffed rice cereal, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Binding Syrup
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add honey, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Simmer the syrup for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 3: Mix with Peanut Butter
- Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Ensure the peanut butter is evenly incorporated, creating a smooth, sticky mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the peanut butter syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, carefully fold the mixture together until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Shape the Bars
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Transfer the mixture to the dish, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even, compact layer.
Step 6: Cool and Set
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 7: Cut into Bars
- Once fully set, lift the mixture out of the dish using the parchment paper.
- Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares of your desired size using a sharp knife.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor. Dried cherries or apricots can replace cranberries or raisins.
- Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal.
- Pressing Tips: Compress the mixture tightly in the baking dish to ensure the bars hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American