Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup walnut pieces
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons wheat germ
- 1 ¼ cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup honey
Why This Recipe Is So Easy To Love
These bars are quick to make and require no oven time, perfect for busy days. They combine sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Plus, they are easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Cooking Pointers
- Use a sturdy pan to press the mixture firmly for better bar shape.
- Chill the bars well before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Toast nuts or seeds lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- Chill the bars well before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Toast nuts or seeds lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
Directions
Spray an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray to keep things from sticking. In a big bowl, toss together the rice cereal, oats, almonds, walnuts, cranberries, raisins, and wheat germ. Next, heat the marshmallows, honey, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything melts into a smooth mixture—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Pour that gooey goodness over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is coated. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, making sure it’s packed evenly. Let it sit for about 30 minutes so it can firm up. Once set, cut into 9 bars and pop them into individual sandwich bags. If it’s warm in your kitchen, keep the bars in the fridge to help them stay fresh.
How To Present This Dish
Enjoy these bars as a quick breakfast on the go or a midday energy boost. They pair well with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. You can also crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added texture.
Keeping It Fresh
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like pecans or cashews based on your preference.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars after they’re made?
If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep the bars firm and fresh.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they last about one week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier since quick oats absorb the syrup better.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
You can try using vegan marshmallows and a plant-based syrup substitute, but results may vary.
What’s the best way to press the mixture into the pan evenly?
Use a spatula or wax paper to firmly press and smooth the mixture into the pan for even bars.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Yes, adding chocolate chips or seeds can enhance flavor—just mix them in with the dry ingredients.
What can I do if my bars are too sticky after setting?
Chill them longer in the fridge to firm up or store them in a cool place to reduce stickiness.
