Description
These no-bake breakfast energy bars are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. Packed with a mix of assorted nuts, dried cranberries, pepitas, and Cheerios®, bound together with a creamy blend of peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, they provide a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes with no baking required, these bars are perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 20 ounces Assorted Nuts
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 cup Cheerios®
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 3 tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Crush Nuts: Place the 20 ounces of assorted nuts into a Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, roughly crush the nuts to smaller pieces but not into a powder for texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed nuts, 1/2 cup pepitas, 1 cup Cheerios®, and 1 cup dried cranberries. Stir gently to distribute all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir carefully with a spatula or spoon until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is sticky and cohesive.
- Shape Bars: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly across the sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and use your hand to gently press down, compacting the mixture slightly to create a flat, even surface.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to allow the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the chilled mixture from the freezer and cut into evenly sized bars or squares. Serve immediately with milk or store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later consumption. Enjoy your nutritious breakfast bars!
Notes
- Use a combination of your favorite nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pecans for varied flavor and texture.
- Replace cheerios with other cereals like bran flakes or oats if preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together better after freezing.
- You can add extras like chia seeds, flax seeds, or shredded coconut for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake energy bars, breakfast bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snacks, easy breakfast, homemade energy bars, vegan options
