Winter... Blech!
The fruit in the grocery store stinks. It's not really fresh and it's not really ripe...and it's way too expensive.
So, the perfect solution is dried fruit!
And, this snack is perfect for lunch boxes!
These Cereal Bars are made with marshmallows and honey so they are not the healthiest bars you can make, but you can add some healthy stuff to them.
Like ground Flax and chia seeds. Ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachio nuts. Pumpkin seeds. Sunflower seeds. Powered Peanut Butter.
Or you could use different dried fruit. Raisins or Craisins. Banana chips and apple chips. Dried blueberries and cherries... Oh, I could make a thousand different varieties.
But, I decided to go with a colorful variety.
I used Pineapple, apricots, and mango with chocolate covered sunflower seeds.
I really liked the color in these bars.
This recipe filled a 9 x 11 pan, so I added some mini chocolate chips to half the pan. I LOVED them!
I did think that the combination was a bit sweet, though. With the honey, marshmallows and sweet cereal, it was a bit much for me, but my friend thought they were great!
Next time, I'm going to just use corn flakes instead of honey oat cereal.
Dried Fruit and Cereal Bars
by
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (24 bars)
- 1/4 C Honey
- 2 Tbls Butter
- 10 Oz package of Mini Marshmallows
- 6 C Honey and Oat Flake Cereal
- 1 C dried mixed Fruit (Pineapple, Mango, and Apricots)
- 1 C Shreaded Sweetened Coconut
- 1/2 C Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
- 1 C Slivered Almonds
- 1/2 C mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
Instructions
Pour Cereal into a gallon size baggie and break up flakes by hand.
In a large glass bowl, melt Honey and Butter in the microwave for 45 seconds. Mix well.
In a large glass bowl, melt Honey and Butter in the microwave for 45 seconds. Mix well.
Add mini marshmallows to the bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth.
Add cereal, coconut, almonds and sunflower seeds to melted marshmallows and stir to coat.
Press into a greased 9x13 pan and allow to harden in fridge. (I lined my pan with easy release foil)
You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the mixture and press in with spatula.
I really need to try my own granola bars. I know Jordan would love them!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this idea! How much powdered peanut butter would you use? I'm thinking peanut butter, banana and chocolate, to honor Elvis :)
ReplyDeleteI'd put quite a few scoops if you want it real peanut-y. You could even try removing the honey and melting PB as the binder. Mmmm.... I think I just thought of another recipe!
DeleteThank you. If I did use powdered peanut butter, I'll try one serving first, which is 2 scoops of powdered peanut butter with 1 Tablespoon of water. I'm going to the store in a day or two, and I'll get the ingredients I do need, and make these. Thanks again :)
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ReplyDeleteLooks so delicious. Thanks for sharing something so yummy.
ReplyDeleteThey look delicious. I'm going to try them for sure!
ReplyDeleteThey sound and look wonderful. I just made something similar tonight with oatmeal, dried fruit and a butter/brown sugar/honey base. Very tasty! I would love for you come on over to Weekend Potluck tomorrow and link up this terrific recipe. www.thebetterbaker.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI'm just lovin all over your blog today!
ReplyDeleteCould I use mini choc chips instead of the sunflower seeds? I'm allergic. ::wrinkly nose::
Wouldn't want to ruin a good crunchy balance of flavors though! These look so yummy.
Hi Karyn,
ReplyDeleteI just love your Dried Fruit and Cereal Bars, they look delicious and we will love them. Thank you so much for celebrating TWO YEARS with FULL PLATE THURSDAY, I appreciate your visit!
Come Back Soon
Miz Helen
They look wonderful! You are right...great for school lunches. I think even so-so healthy homemade is better than store bought! Thanks for sharing on Super Sweet Saturday.
ReplyDeleteSteph
swtboutique.com
They look amazingly delicious and I just had to pin them, because I really want to make them! Thank you for sharing this at Wednesday Extravaganza - Hope to see you there again next week with more deliciousness :)
ReplyDeleteAnother yummy recipe, Karyn. Thanks for sharing at Foodie Friends Friday!
ReplyDeleteI love how colorful these are! Yum yum!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking them up to What's Cookin' Wednesday!
YUMMY :) My kids would love these!
ReplyDeleteFound you at This Gal Cooks!
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ReplyDeleteHi Karyn - These look awesome. Found your blog via the GYB and am looking forward to following more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYour recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your new Red Plate.
Miz Helen
This looks yummy! Please share this in a new Linky Party --Weekend Kitchen Creations at www.weekendkitchencreations.blogspot.com. Please join us, share your delicious creation and get other scrumptious ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love these--a perfect after-school snack for my kiddo!
ReplyDeleteThese look so yummy! I think my family would really love these fruit and cereal bars. Thanks for sharing them at last week's link party! Hope to see you again this weekend :)
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