Not many things are better than snacks.
Unexpected pocket cash, cute cat videos, and a good run all come close, but arguably none can triumph over treats. So preheat your oven, strap on an apron, and check out our favorite healthy and simple 5-star energy bars to restock your pantry!
1. No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
You had us at “low maintenance snack.” These crunchy bars are packed with savory and just a hint of sweetness. Ingredients: Peanut butter, oats, pecans, chia seeds, honey, raisins, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon.
Required: Food processor, fridge
Prep Time: 15 minutes with 2 hours to chill
2. Four-Ingredient Cranberry Bars
Simple and clean, these tart bars are a fan favorite from Runner’s World chef Pam Anderson. Their 100% natural ingredients can be found in most cupboards, while the toasted walnuts give them a warm fall feel.
Ingredients: Walnut pieces, pitted dates, dried cranberries, shredded coconut (unsweetened).
Required: Food processor, fridge
Prep Time: 15 minutes with 1 hour to chill
Recently beets have been storming the market as a forgotten superfood. Packed with vitamins and minerals, these vibrant veggies promote increased blood flow and muscle oxygen uptake.
Ingredients: Pitted dates, raw cashews, nut butter, 1 large beet, coconut flower, salt, cinnamon.
Required: Food processor, fridge
Prep Time: 20 minutes with 2 hours to chill
Sometimes a chilled bar just won’t cut it. The last thing anyone wants to experience is a melted lump of dates and chia when they reach into a pocket or purse! These baked bars are the perfect anywhere, anytime choice.
Ingredients: Rolled oats, maple syrup, peanut butter, roasted unsalted almonds, + anything else you want in your bars (chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, etc.)!
Required: Oven, food processor
Prep Time: 10 minutes with 5 minutes to bake
5. Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
Not technically a bar, these balls are a delicious way to get a quick energy hit in a few tasty bites. While this easily customizable recipe does call for chocolate (treat yourself!), raisins can be substituted as well.
Ingredients: Rolled oats, semisweet chocolate chips, ground flax meal, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, salt.
Required: Food process (optional), fridge
Prep Time: 15 minutes with 30 minutes to chill
No one is safe from pumpkin spice in fall, and that includes your energy bars. This delicious twist brings the flavors of the season right to your pantry.
Ingredients: Pitted dates, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice mix (found in the spice aisle). Looking for a baked option? Check out these delicious oat and pumpkin baked bars.
Required: Food processor
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Taking time out of a busy day or weekend to meal-prep is definitely part of self-care and healthy habits. Treat yourself to both the process of making — and enjoying — these delicious snacks!
