Energy Bars

 

Dry Ingredients

3         Quaker Instant Oatmeal packets, any flavor

1/3      cup Craisins, processed into smaller pieces

1/2      cup roasted, salted almonds, smashed into smaller pieces

1/2      cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

1         cup Kashi Go Honey Almond Flax Crunch cereal, clumps broken up

1/4      cup granulated white sugar

1         tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed

1         tablespoon cinnamon

1/2      teaspoon salt

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together well.

 

Wet Ingredients

3              tablespoons Mrs. Butterworth’s or other syrup

1 ½          tablespoons honey

1              tablespoon vanilla

 

Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl, stir together and add to dry ingredients.

Stir together well until all dry ingredients are evenly moistened.

Spray the bottom of a spatula with butter flavored non-stick spray.

Spoon mixture into a 13 by 9 inch rimmed sheet pan coated with butter flavored non-stick spray and press surface tightly and evenly, smoothing surface.  Alternately, spoon mixture into the wells of a silicone bar making pan and press firmly to pack tightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

If using silicone bar maker, remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes before placing bars on wire rack to cool completely. Makes 12 bars.

If using sheet pan, use a sharp serrated knife to cut into desired shape/size while still warm from oven.

 

Notes:

• Pampered Chef sells this silicone snack bar maker set which is perfect for making these bars.
• Break up the cereal clumps by placing into a zip lock bag and smashing. 
• You can break the almonds into smaller pieces using the same method.