Chewy Trail Mix Energy Bars

  • 2 cups unsweetened crispy rice cereal
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit
  • 1/3 cup sesame seeds
  • ½ cup pecans or pumpkin seeds, chopped
  • ½ cup almonds, chopped
  • 1 cup brown rice syrup
  • ½ cup honey or ½ cup  more brown rice syrup
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Simple to make and packed full of good nutrition. No baking required!

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. In a small pot, heat the brown rice syrup, honey (if using), almond butter and vanilla extract until melted, thoroughly  combined and bubbly. Pour over dry ingredients in bowl. Use a wooden spoon or stiff spatula to completely coat all ingredients. Mixture will be very sticky. Lightly oil a 9 ½ x 13 baking sheet or casserole dish; alternately use a parchment paper lined pan. Press mixture evenly  into pan. Wet hands to prevent mixture from sticking to hands. Let cool and firm up for at least an hour before cutting into bars. Can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in food wrap for up to a week.