Description
These Kid-Friendly Oatmeal-Fruit Energy Bars are a perfect solution for busy parents. They are quick to make, nutritious, and a guaranteed hit with little ones, even picky eaters like Leo and Mia. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a lunchbox treat, making mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed dried fruit, and chia seeds.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the nut butter and honey/maple syrup together until smooth and easily stirrable (about 30-60 seconds). Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and sticky. You may need to use your hands to ensure all ingredients are coated.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan.
- Slice into 12-16 bars, depending on desired size.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Customize with your kids’ favorite dried fruits or add mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter.
- These bars are great for on-the-go snacks and lunchboxes.
- You can easily double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180-220
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Sodium: 50-70mg
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg