I mentioned these homemade energy bars in my flying with toddlers and babies post, so I wanted to get the recipe up as soon as possible in case you were wanting to make them! These are such an easy and healthy snack for mamas and toddlers, they are perfect for travel and not super crumbly (I know it looks like they might be in the photo below, but that was just for styling purposes).
They have just a hint of sweetness and only have a bit of added sugar for taste. This is why I stopped buying bars at the store, because they have SO much sugar and are too sweet for me now. Plus, they aren't something I'd give to Iris. These are energy bars you can feel good about giving to your kiddos!
2 Tbsp Almond Milk (or milk of your choice)
1 Tbsp Simple Vanilla Syrup (see below)
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed (whole seeds are find too)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 Cup Oats
8 Dates, pitted
1 Cup Almonds
Directions ≫≫
Make your simple vanilla syrup if you don't have some on hand, I usually have some in the fridge ready to go for these types of recipes and even coffee. It is 1 cup of water heated on medium in a pan with 3/4 cup coconut sugar (or sugar of choice). Stir constantly with a whisk until sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and allow to cool before adding 2 Tablespoons of pure vanilla.
Put all ingredients listed, in the order listed, in your high powered blender and pulse on high until everything starts to stick together. It will kind of start to all stick to the sides. I usually pulse 5-10 times, turn the blender off and shake/hit the side of the blender, and then repeat until desired texture and sticking.
Put parchment paper in a cake pan or bread pan (I usually do the cake pan for thinner bars that are easier for Iris to eat), but to photograph for the post I did them in a bread pan. Up to you!
Scrape the mixture into your parchment paper and push down with a spoon until everything is smooth on top and stuck together. Put in the freezer for a few hours.
Remove from freezer and cut into bars or squares. They will keep in Tupperware or plastic bags for about a week.
We take these raw energy bars with us on airplanes, to the zoo, to tumble class, and more! I pretty much always have them in my purse these days for us to snack on when needed.
If you can't tell by the photos above, Iris loves these things and I love knowing exactly what is in the food she eats and that there isn't much sugar involved.
Make sure to check out the rest of our favorite snacks, including a few of our favorite energy balls that inspired these bars. And now that summer is in full force, we're making all of our favorite smoothies into popsicles! We love these popsicle holders because they catch the drip.
What's your favorite healthy snack that your kiddos also love? Let me know in the comments!
♡ MALLORIE