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8-Minute Healthy Microwave Energy Bars

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These 8-Minute Healthy Microwave Energy Bars are the perfect cure for those running from activity to activity with an empty stomach! They hold together super well, have a nice crunch from the nuts, but the overall mouthfeel is chewy. Filling and chocked full of thick, healthy nuts and fruits, once you realize how easy these energy bars are to make, they will definitely be added to your monthly (or weekly) recipe list!

I am always on the lookout for a filling and healthy snack for my kids. The issue I have run into lately (meaning the last year or so) is that my children have very strong feelings about their snacks and I can’t get away with tricking them into eating something that doesn’t taste super good. Enter the healthy granola/energy bar! These bars are so filling and tasty, I can even convince my children that they are suitable for dessert.

Can’t I Just Buy These?

I don’t really love all kinds of energy bars because many taste like protein powder or I find that they aren’t really all that healthy! If I lean towards granola bars (which are like energy bar cousins) I find that they aren’t filling enough to get my children and I through our activities. The best brand I have found in the grocery store are probably Kind Bars, but those are $$$…especially times 3 children. That’s when I started to look for an alternative, and decided that I should just try to make these myself.

Do I Actually Have Time to Make a Homemade Snack?

If I do, you do! Follow me here… I decided that an energy bar which is purpose is to make my life more convenient and easier shouldn’t be a creation of a recipe that makes my life more difficult and complicated. The criteria for these energy bars was this: mostly healthy, simple and real ingredients, and quick to make. Once those criteria were laid out, I was absolutely amazed at how quickly this recipe came together! Usually, I have to try things 10 times before I get them just right, but these were like a magical gift from God. Amen! I hope you like them too!

How Long Do These Last?

Put these puppies in a airtight container and they will last up to 2 weeks. In our house though, they were gone in the first couple days! If you find that you aren’t getting to them fast enough, you can easily freeze them and take them out at a later date.

Tips and Tricks for Making 8-Minute Healthy Microwave Granola Bars

  • I will give a specific mixture of the seeds, nuts and dried fruit that I used because we loved it, but you can use any variety you like. I would recommend sticking to 1.5 Cups of nuts and seeds and 1/2 cup of dried fruit.
  • If you want to add a little more richness to these bars, feel free to add 2 Tbsp of butter right around the time you add the peanut butter.
  • I got all of the nuts, seeds and cherries from the bulk section at the grocery store. It really helped with price because I received only what I needed!
  • If you don’t have an 8X8 dish, you can use any dish, just use your hand to form the side of the bar. This mixture is thick and sticky, and will hold up well, even without a pan to support it.
  • These are very filling and rich, so I suggest cutting them fairly small!

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8-Minute Healthy Microwave Energy Bars
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8-Minute Healthy Microwave Energy Bars

5 from 2 votes
Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10-12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes

Filling and chocked full of thick, healthy nuts and fruits, once you realize how easy these energy bars are to make, they will definitely be added to your monthly (or weekly) recipe list!

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Whole Almonds, Roasted and Salted

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Whole Walnuts, Roasted and Salted

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted and Salted

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Pecan Halves, Roasted and Salted

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Dried Tart Cherries

  • 1/4 Cup 1/4 Light Corn Syrup

  • 1/8 Cup 1/8 Honey

  • 1/4 Cup 1/4 Peanut Butter

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Chocolate Chips *Optional*

  • Flaky Sea Salt *Optional*

Directions

  • Mix All Nuts, Seeds and Dried Cherries in large bowl. Set aside. Line 8X8 dish with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Add Light Corn Syrup and Honey in medium to large microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 1:00. Stir well and return to microwave for 1:00. Add Peanut Butter and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well and pour mixture over nut, seed and dried fruit mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold mixture continuously until completely coated. If it dries too quickly, put bowl in microwave for 15 seconds and continue stirring.
  • Once mixture is completely coated, pour into pan over parchment paper and press down flat. The bars should be about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Melt chocolate and drizzle or spread over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with sea salt. Place in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to completely harden, cut and enjoy!

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