Imagine starting your day with a burst of energy, flavor, and nutrition packed into one irresistible bar! These Trail Mix Breakfast Bars are not just another boring breakfast option – they're a game-changing morning miracle that will revolutionize how you fuel your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars combine the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy textures that will have you looking forward to breakfast like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts. Toast them lightly in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden, stirring once halfway through.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together for 30-45 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm nut butter and honey mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in the dried fruit and chocolate chips (if using), ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Toasting Technique: Don't skip toasting the oats and nuts! This crucial step brings out deeper, richer flavors and adds a delightful crunch to your bars.
- Binding Matters: Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan. The more compact the mixture, the better your bars will hold together.
- Cooling is Key: Patience is crucial! Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they set properly and don't crumble.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. Allergic to peanuts? Use sunflower seed butter. Not a fan of chocolate? Skip the chips or replace with dried coconut.
- Storage Wisdom: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month for longer preservation.
- Meal Prep Magic: These bars are perfect for batch cooking. Make a double batch and have grab-and-go breakfasts ready for the entire week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
