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Healthy Candy Bars

Healthy Candy Bars
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These Healthy Candy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack designed to satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. Made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, nut butters, and natural sweeteners, they provide a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your energy steady throughout the day. Ideal for on-the-go snacking, pre- or post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are easily customizable to suit different flavor preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Seeds

  • 1 cup raw or lightly toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
  • 1/2 cup seeds (sunflower, chia, or flax seeds)

Dried Fruits

  • 3/4 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, raisins, or chopped dates)

Nut Butters

  • 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)

Natural Sweeteners

  • 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats or protein powder (or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher for more antioxidants)
  • Optional spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all dry ingredients such as oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and any spices you prefer. Measure out nut butter and natural sweeteners separately to make the mixing process smooth.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your oats, nuts, seeds, protein powder, and dried fruits. Stir well to evenly distribute all the dry components.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, blend your nut butter with honey or maple syrup until smooth and fluid, making it easier to bind the dry mixture.
  4. Incorporate the Mixture: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spatula. You want a sticky to slightly firm dough that holds together when pressed.
  5. Press and Chill: Line a baking pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so the bars set well.
  6. Cut and Store: Once firm, remove from the fridge and cut into bars of your desired size. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Choose raw or lightly toasted nuts to enhance flavor and control added oils.
  • Do not over-pulse ingredients; leave some texture for crunch and chew.
  • Use parchment paper to make removing bars from the pan hassle-free and keep the shape intact.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually to suit your preference before chilling.
  • Store bars chilled in the refrigerator to maintain texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy candy bars, no-bake snack, gluten free snack, natural sweeteners, protein bars, healthy dessert

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