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Healthy Candy Bars

Healthy Candy Bars
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These Healthy Candy Bars are wholesome, easy-to-make snacks combining natural ingredients like rolled oats, nut butter, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate chips. They offer a delicious, guilt-free treat packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients, perfect for an energy boost or on-the-go snack that supports your health goals.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: 2 cups
  • Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or preferred nuts): 1 cup
  • Seeds (chia or flax seeds): 2 tablespoons
  • Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates): 1/2 cup
  • Dark chocolate chips: 1/3 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

Wet Ingredients

  • Nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter): 1/2 cup
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Stir everything until well mixed, ensuring these dry ingredients are evenly distributed for balanced texture and flavor.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients Separately: Warm your nut butter slightly to soften, then mix it with honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, pourable mixture ready to bind your bars.
  3. Combine and Stir: Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. Every bit should be coated well so your candy bars hold together perfectly once set.
  4. Press into a Pan: Line a baking dish or small pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly into an even layer. Compacting it well ensures sturdy bars that won’t crumble.
  5. Chill and Slice: Place your pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the mixture to firm up. Once set, lift out the parchment and slice into bars or squares. They’re ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Toast Your Nuts: Lightly roasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunchiness in the bars.
  • Measure But Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep texture intact without making bars too dense.
  • Use Parchment Paper: This makes removing the bars easier and prevents sticking.
  • Experiment with Binding Agents: Try mashed bananas or applesauce for a different moisture profile.
  • Chill Thoroughly: This step is crucial for bars to harden correctly and hold shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy candy bars, natural snack bars, no bake bars, energy bars, wholesome snack, guilt-free sweets, nut bars, oat bars, vegan options

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/healthy-candy-bars/