Cereal Bars with Oatmeal, Dried Fruits and Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (any kind you prefer)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Spread the oats and rice cereal out on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and rice cereal with the dried cranberries, chopped apricots, and chopped nuts. Mix well.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the chocolate chips together with the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat mixture in the mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir everything together until the dry ingredients are fully coated and the mixture is evenly moistened.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
7. Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture has firmed up and is fully set.
8. Remove the dish from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut the chilled mixture into 12-16 equal squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!

Verdict:

These cereal bars with oatmeal, dried fruits and chocolate are a delightful and wholesome snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. They are crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and full of flavor and texture! A great combination of oats, rice cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate make these bars a nutritious and easy snack to make and take on-the-go.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy as a snack with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make for a perfect dessert that is guilt-free and satisfying. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.