Description
These Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars are a wholesome and tasty no-bake dessert combining crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and rich peanut butter. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a snack on the go, these bars pack a delightful blend of textures and flavors, sweetened naturally with honey and enhanced with mini chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (about 95g) whole almonds
- 2/3 cup (about 95g) whole cashews
- 1 and 1/2 cups (128g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats or quick oats, divided
- 1/3 cup (35g) ground flaxseed
- 1/3 cup (40g) dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup (50g) raisins
- 1/3 cup (60g) mini chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (or maple syrup or brown rice syrup)
- 3/4 cup (185g) creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later for cutting.
- Pulse Nuts and Oats: In a food processor, pulse the almonds, cashews, and 1/2 cup (40g) of oats about 10 times until they are lightly chopped. This step prevents the bars from falling apart.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the pulsed nut and oat mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the remaining oats, ground flaxseed, dried cranberries, and raisins to combine evenly.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a medium pan over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt together the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Add the mini chocolate chips, then stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using the back of a flat spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to compact it. This ensures the bars hold their shape after setting.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days) to allow the bars to set completely.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired. Store bars covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or brown rice syrup.
- Use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on preference.
- Ensure the nut and oat mixture is pulsed properly to avoid crumbly bars.
- You can customize by adding other dried fruits or seeds as desired.
- Press the mixture tightly into the pan to help the bars maintain their shape after cutting.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
