Nutty Bliss No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bars Recipe
Introduction
Nutty Bliss No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack packed with wholesome ingredients. Combining oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of sweetness, these bars offer sustained energy without baking. They’re easy to prepare and ideal for busy days, hikes, or quick fuel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup seeds (e.g., chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots), chopped
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips (if using). Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all ingredients are fully coated and stick together. Add more almond butter or honey if the mixture feels too crumbly.
- Step 4: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1–2 hours to let the bars set and firm up.
- Step 6: Once chilled and firm, lift the block out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars or squares as desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips & Variations
- For extra chewiness, add shredded coconut or swap some nuts for nutty granola clusters.
- Use peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different flavor profile.
- Replace dried fruit with fresh chopped apples or banana but consume promptly if using fresh fruit.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
- Omit chocolate chips or use white chocolate for variation.
Storage
Store energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating is not necessary as these bars are best enjoyed chilled for a firm texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters besides almond butter?
Yes, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well and will give a slightly different flavor.
How can I make these bars more crunchy?
Adding toasted nuts or seeds can increase crunchiness, or pressing the mixture firmly before chilling helps create a denser, crunchier bar.
PrintNutty Bliss No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bars Recipe
Nutty Bliss No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bars are a wholesome, easy-to-make snack packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a hint of dark chocolate. These bars provide a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor, ideal for a quick energy boost without the need for baking. Ready in just over two hours including chilling time, they are a convenient and delicious treat for on-the-go snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup seeds (e.g., chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots), chopped
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips if using. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- Make the Binding Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine: Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredient mixture in the bowl. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a bit more almond butter or honey to help bind the mixture better.
- Press into a Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the combined mixture to the dish and press down firmly with a spatula or hands to evenly compact it.
- Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the bars to set and achieve a firm texture.
- Cut & Serve: Once fully set, lift the energy bars from the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars or squares as desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- Use your preferred nut butter such as peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for almond butter.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to taste or dietary needs.
- The addition of dark chocolate chips is optional but adds a rich flavor and texture.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Ensure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Store these bars in the fridge to maintain freshness, especially when including perishable ingredients.
Keywords: no-bake energy bars, trail mix bars, healthy snacks, nutty energy bars, easy snack recipe, no bake snack, homemade energy bars
