Rice Cereal Energy Bars

These homemade energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, and oats, making them a perfect on-the-go snack for active lifestyles. They're easy to prepare and offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

• ½ cup sesame seeds

• ½ cup sunflower seeds

• 1 pinch salt

• ½ cup chopped dates

• ½ cup raisins

• ½ cup dried apricots

• ½ cup dried cherries

• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 7 cups crisp rice cereal

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1½ cups crunchy peanut butter

• 1 cup corn syrup

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup powdered milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1. Toast sesame and sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Lightly salt and set aside to cool.

2. In a food processor, combine dates, raisins, apricots, cherries, chocolate chips, and toasted seeds. Pulse until finely chopped but not pasty. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. Add crisp rice cereal and rolled oats to the bowl; mix well.

4. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar until bubbly. Stir in powdered milk, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.

5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until evenly coated.

6. Press the mixture into a greased 10x15-inch jellyroll pan using wet hands. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 324 kcal

• Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 5mg

• Sodium: 171mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 47g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 25g

• Protein: 8g

• Vitamin C: 6mg

• Calcium: 99mg

• Iron: 4mg

• Potassium: 341mg