Recipe & Video: Sweet And Salty Energy Bars

A good energy bar can be the perfect, healthy snack to satisfy your hunger between meals. But finding ones in the store that actually do the job can be surprisingly difficult. Most fail on a nutrition front - they contain too much added sugars or sugar alcohols that might upset your stomach.

These homemade energy bars are a much better alternative. Whole grains like rolled oats and crispy rice cereal provide a hearty base to help keep you full. Flaxseeds add in fiber. Plus, these bars are soft, chewy and a perfect balance of salty and sweet! They get their sweetness and flavor from coconut flakes, honey, brown sugar, dried cranberries and chocolate chips. They're perfect for a snack on-the-go, fueling your body before a workout or as something to tide you over between meals.

Sweet and Salty Energy Bars Recipe

Download the full recipe instructions here.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup crispy rice cereal
1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Heat oven to 350° F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Spread oats and shredded coconut on rimmed cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large bowl.

Combine honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, rice cereal, ground flaxseed, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture is bubbling and the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the honey mixture over the toasted oats and coconut and mix well. Let cool for about 5 minutes and add the cranberries and chocolate chips. Stir to combine.

Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and use a rubber spatula or damp fingertips to firmly press the mixture into the pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for about 30 minutes. Remove the block of granola mixture from pan, then peel away the foil or parchment. Cut into 12 bars.

Nutrition information per serving: 160 calories; 3.5 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 32 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 3 grams protein

Looking for more nutrition advice and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian? Call 1-855-434-5483 or visit Nutrition Services on henryford.com.