These Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars are the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy, making them an ideal snack for any time of the day. Packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit, these bars are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you're heading out for a hike or just need a quick energy boost, these bars have got you covered.
If you don't usually have peanut butter, honey, or dried fruit at home, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Peanut butter can be found in the spreads section, honey is usually near the baking supplies or breakfast items, and dried fruit is often located in the snack aisle or near the baking ingredients.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars
Peanut butter: A creamy spread made from ground peanuts, providing a rich and nutty flavor.
Honey: A natural sweetener produced by bees, adding a touch of sweetness and helping to bind the ingredients together.
Rolled oats: Whole grain oats that have been steamed and flattened, offering a chewy texture and a good source of fiber.
Mixed nuts: A variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, adding crunch and protein.
Dried fruit: Dehydrated fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots, providing natural sweetness and chewiness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When combining the peanut butter and honey, ensure they are thoroughly mixed to create a smooth, cohesive base. This will help evenly distribute the rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit throughout the mixture, resulting in bars that hold together well and have a consistent texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those with peanut allergies.
peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free option that still offers a rich, creamy consistency and a slightly nutty taste.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener that has a similar consistency and sweetness level to honey.
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are a good option for those looking for a gluten-free alternative.
rolled oats - Substitute with crushed whole grain cereal: Crushed whole grain cereal can offer a similar texture and nutritional profile, adding a bit of crunch to the bars.
chopped mixed nuts - Substitute with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower): Seeds provide a similar crunch and nutritional benefits, making them a great nut-free alternative.
chopped mixed nuts - Substitute with chopped pretzels: Chopped pretzels add a salty crunch that can complement the sweetness of the other ingredients.
chopped dried fruit - Substitute with chopped fresh fruit: Chopped fresh fruit can add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, though it may make the bars a bit more moist.
chopped dried fruit - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add a sweet, indulgent element that pairs well with the other ingredients, though they will change the flavor profile.
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How To Store / Freeze These Bars
- Allow the peanut butter trail mix bars to cool completely. This ensures they firm up and are easier to handle.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts.
- For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the bars within a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. This will keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
- To freeze, individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for a few seconds to soften.
- For an extra treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars before freezing. This adds a delightful touch when you’re ready to eat them.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the peanut butter trail mix bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps retain their crispy texture.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the peanut butter trail mix bars on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the bars and continue heating in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired warmth.
For a quick stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the peanut butter trail mix bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping them gently to ensure even warming. This method can give the bars a slightly toasted flavor.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the peanut butter trail mix bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method keeps them crispy and warm.
For those who enjoy a more rustic approach, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the peanut butter trail mix bars on the toaster oven tray and cover with foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the trail mix bars until they are golden brown and set.
Microwave: Softens the peanut butter and honey mixture for easier mixing.
Mixing bowl: Holds all the ingredients while you combine them.
Spatula: Helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and to press the mixture into the baking pan.
Baking pan: The container where the mixture is pressed and baked into bars.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like peanut butter, honey, rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit.
Knife: Used to chop the mixed nuts and dried fruit if they are not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the mixed nuts and dried fruit.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool evenly before cutting.
Non-stick spray: Greases the baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
How to Save Time on Making These Bars
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out peanut butter, honey, rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit before starting to streamline the process.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Microwave efficiently: Soften peanut butter and honey together in the microwave to save time.
Mix thoroughly: Combine all ingredients in one bowl to minimize dishwashing.
Cool quickly: Place the baked bars in the fridge to cool faster before cutting.
Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- ½ cup Honey
- 3 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Mixed Nuts chopped
- ½ cup Dried Fruit chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
- Add rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit to the bowl. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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