Dark Chocolate and Cranberry Energy Bars

These homemade energy bars with dark chocolate and dried cranberries are inexpensive, easy to make, and delicious. The ultimate healthy snack recipe.

Dark Chocolate and cranberries are foods of the gods, both flavorful and high in antioxidants. Save money, lose weight, and eat healthy with these easy to make homemade energy bars. While similar to a granola bar recipe, this all natural healthy energy bar recipe contains no sugar or butter. The omega-3s in the nuts and flax seeds make this a healthy snack for school, work or hitting the trail.

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes

Baking time: 20 minutes

Level of Difficulty: Easy

The Goods

You will need:

• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (enough to coat the baking pan)
• 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raw unsalted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup raw wheat germ
• 2 tsp sesame or flax seeds
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or gluten free baking flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, cashews, or walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 2 large eggs
  

The Routine

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Drizzle a little vegetable oil into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. With fingers or a paper towel, spread to cover the entire bottom and sides of pan.

Measure the raw wheat germ into a saucepan and toast on med/low heat (low for gas burners) for about six minutes, shaking the pan every few minutes.

Transfer to the baking pan and spread evenly, about half inch thick. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.Pour all the dry ingredients except the oats, nuts and seeds into a large mixing bowl. Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats, nuts and seeds, pulsing until the mixture is finely chopped. Combine with the dry mixture in bowl. Add the syrup, nectar and eggs and stir slowly, folding the liquid into the mixture. It may help to use clean hands to work the mixture until it resembles a coarse, very sticky paste.

Tips and tricks

Mix up your recipe with different types of dried fruits and nuts. Add a little vanilla extract, some orange zest, or some ground ginger for exotic flavor.

If not using coconut, you may not need a full 1/2 cup of the agave/syrup mixture. Add slowly until paste is the desired consistency.

Use peanut butter for some added flavor and protein.

Enjoy!