Sweetest Hobby

Made with natural ingredients like oats, seeds, nuts, and dried strawberries, this bar is a perfect option for a convenient snack throughout the day. The honey and strawberry purée add a touch of natural sweetness, while the coconut oil gives it a smooth and rich texture. Best of all, you can customize this recipe with your favorite fruits and seeds. The result is a flavorful, wholesome cereal bar without any food additives. Try it and feel the difference of eating something homemade, crafted with care and love!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of rolled oats (I used gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (you can use any type of seed like sunflower or sesame)
• ¾ cup of honey (I always use a 250g measuring cup)
• 100 ml of strawberry puree (recipe below)
• 2 cups of mixed nuts (I used pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts)
• ½ cup of almonds (you can substitute with any type of nut)
• A pinch of salt (I used pink salt)
• 1/3 cup of coconut oil (I used flavorless extra virgin, rich in MCTs, caprylic, and capric acid)
• 10 dried strawberries, chopped (you can use any dried fruit, about 1/3 cup)

Strawberry Puree Recipe:  

I used 250g of fresh strawberries and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cook over low heat in a heavy-bottomed pan for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Instructions for the Cereal Bars: 

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C), and then increase to 340°F (170°C).
2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper (I greased the pan slightly to help the paper stick. My pan is 11.4” x 8”). Set aside.
3. Toast the oats and nuts in the oven at 320°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
4. Heat the liquid ingredients over medium heat, then add the toasted oats and nuts along with all the other dry ingredients into the pan. Stir for about 5 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly using a spatula, your hands, or the back of a large spoon.
6. Bake in the preheated oven at 340°F (170°C) for about 25-40 minutes (if you like it firmer, leave it for the full 40 minutes).
7. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before making the first cut while it’s still warm, to prevent it from hardening too much.
8. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container, wrap individually in plastic wrap, or place in small bags.

This is a 100% natural recipe, made without any chemical additives.

Enjoy! 

From my kitchen to yours,

Ana Raquel