Fitness Crunch Bars are a delicious and healthy snack. You can make them in advance so you can grab one as you head out the door. They’re also easy to make and will fill you up without expanding your waistline! These little bars pack a punch with protein from nuts and seeds, fiber from oats and flaxseed meals, and vitamins and minerals from fruits!
This recipe is great for craving a crunchy, sweet snack without all the added sugar.
Fitness Crunch Bars are a great way to get a fast, convenient protein boost anytime. Each bar offers a blend of 20g of whey protein isolate with added vitamins and minerals for a complete nutrition profile.
These bars are made with real food ingredients that you can pronounce, including whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, and natural peanut butter. They’re also high in fiber and low in sugar, making them the perfect snack for anyone with diabetes or gluten sensitivities.
Fitness Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Mix peanut butter and honey until combined.
- Fold in oats, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
- Spread it into an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Slice for 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
- Please keep it in an airtight container.
Makes approximately 18 bars.
Ingredients
The ingredients in this peanut butter crunch bar include:
- Peanuts are high in protein and contain heart-healthy fats, which are good for your heart. They also have a lot of fiber, so they keep you full longer than most other snacks (which is great for weight loss).
- Honey: This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that may help burn fat faster! It also helps to balance blood sugar levels so that you don’t experience as many cravings throughout the day and boosts energy levels.
- Oats provide soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps slow digestion and keeps hunger at bay for longer periods. They also have a low glycemic index (GI) rating, so you won’t experience spikes in blood sugar after eating them like many other carbs do.
1 cup warm peanut butter
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and calories. The more fat in your diet, the better. Choose a creamy variety with no added sugars or hydrogenated oils (which we’ll cover later).
1/2 cup honey
Honey is a natural sweetener. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your health. Honey also contains many minerals, such as calcium, copper, iron, and zinc.
Honey comes from the nectar of flowers or secretions of living parts of plants or trees by bees (the stingless honeybee Apis mellifera). It is popularly believed to have medicinal properties, including acting as an antiseptic agent on wounds [1]. [2]
2 cups oats
- Oats contain a good amount of fiber and protein, both essential for your body to function. Fiber helps you feel full longer so you won’t overeat, and protein helps repair muscles after a workout.
- Oats are also rich in iron and magnesium, as well as phosphorous. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, transporting oxygen throughout the body, and can help lower cholesterol levels. Magnesium plays a role in many bodily functions, including muscle contraction and nerve conduction. It has also been shown to be important in regulating blood sugar levels.
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots)
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots)
Dried fruit is a good fiber, vitamin C, and potassium source. It’s also high in iron and calcium.
1/3 cup chocolate chips
You can use any chocolate chip for this recipe. They make the bars taste great, but they also add a lot of sugar to the bars. If you want to keep your blood sugar levels in check, I recommend using dark chocolate chips instead.
You can also use white chocolate chips for a sweeter bar with fewer healthy fats and calories. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, so it still contains some fat even though the color is lighter than dark or semi-sweet.
Finally, I’ll let you decide whether or not it’s worth it to splurge on expensive boutique brands like Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate Chips (which contain 60% cacao). This ingredient gives them an extra punch of antioxidants that will help fight free radicals in our bodies!
Directions
- Mix peanut butter and honey in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Fold in oats, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. Spread the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper; press down firmly to compact the mixture evenly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into bars (you can use a sharp knife or cookie dough shaped by hand). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight at room temperature before serving if frozen. It yields about 18 bars.
Mix together peanut butter and honey until combined. Fold in oats, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. Spread it into an 8×8-inch baking pan. Slice for 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Please keep it in an airtight container. Makes approximately 18 bars.
Unleash Your Inner Mixologist: Craft Your Dream Fitness Crunch Bar
Forget boring protein bars and predictable granola! Today, we’re embarking on a flavor adventure to concoct your masterpiece: the ultimate Fitness Crunch Bar. Ditch the store-bought limitations and unleash your inner mixologist with endless possibilities, all while packing a nutritious punch.
Step 1: Choose Your Base – The Canvas of Crunch
- Oats: The classic for a reason: oats offer a hearty chew and nutty flavor. Play with rolled oats, quick oats, or even steel-cut for a delightful textural contrast.harvard.edu
- Puffed Grains: Craving something light and airy? Quinoa or rice puffs add a delightful crunch and keep your bars on the lighter side.en.wikipedia.org
- Nuts & Seeds: Elevate your bar with the richness of almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Bonus points for a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s!harvard.edu
- Coconut Flakes: Craving a Tropical Escape? Shredded coconut adds a chewy sweetness and a touch of paradise to your bites.gourmetfoodworld.com
Step 2: Pick Your Power Players – The Protein Punch
- Nut Butters: Peanut butter is a beloved choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Almond, cashew, sunflower seed, or even tahini butter offer unique flavors and protein profiles.www.skinnytaste.com
- Protein Powder: Give your bars an extra protein boost with a scoop of your favorite whey, vegan, or pea protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate are crowd-pleasers, but matcha or berry powders can add a unique twist.
- Hemp Seeds: Nature’s hidden gem, hemp seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and a subtle nutty flavor. Sprinkle them in for a nutritional and textural boost.
Step 3: Sweeten the Deal – Nature’s Candy
- Honey: A classic sweetener with a floral aroma, honey adds depth and pairs beautifully with nuts and seeds.
- Dates: Nature’s chewy candy, dates provide sweetness and fiber without refined sugar. Blend them into a paste for a smooth, gooey texture.www.bbcgoodfood.com
- Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins, apricots, or mango chunks add bursts of sweetness and juicy pops of flavor.
- Maple Syrup: For a touch of Canadian charm, maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and pairs well with nuts and oats.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Fun – Flavor Fiesta!
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of chili powder can add warmth and complexity to your bars.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark, milky, or white chocolate chips are a delightful indulgence for those chocoholic cravings.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract adds depth and elegance to any flavor combination.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of your ingredients and adds a delightful savory touch.
Step 5: Mix, Masterpiece, Munch!
Now, the fun begins! Combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl, ensuring everything is well distributed. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Slice into bars, store in an airtight container, and savor your culinary creation!
Bonus Tip: Get creative! Drizzle your bars with melted chocolate, roll them in chopped nuts, or sprinkle them with edible flowers for an extra magic touch.
Remember, this is just a springboard for your flavor journey. Experiment, swap ingredients, and let your taste buds guide you. With some imagination, you can craft Fitness Crunch Bars that are as unique and delicious as you are!
Homemade Crunch Bars
Craving a delicious and healthy snack? Look no further than these Homemade Crunch Bars! With just 4 simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these nutritious and satisfying treats in no time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup warm peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots)
Instructions:
- Mix together peanut butter and honey until combined.
- Fold in oats, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Slice for 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
- Keep it in an airtight container. makes approximately 18 bars.
These bars are perfect for:
- A quick and easy snack
- A pre-workout or post-workout boost
- A healthy dessert
- A satisfying on-the-go snack
They’re also:
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Customizable (add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit!)
So what are you waiting for? Give these Homemade Crunch Bars a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Here are some additional tips from the video:
- Use any type of nut butter you like.
- You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you don’t have honey.
- Add chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Get creative with your dried fruit!
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The most important thing to remember is that you should enjoy these bars. I know what you’re thinking: “But these are health food bars!” And yes, that’s true—these are health-food bars with many vitamins and minerals. But even though they’re good for you and contain some very healthy ingredients, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still go ahead and eat them!
- Enjoy the bar with friends.
- Enjoy the bar with the family.
- Enjoy the bar when you wake up in the morning.
- Enjoy the bar after school/work/university (if applicable).
Conclusion
And there you have it! By following these steps and unleashing your inner mixologist, you’ll be well on crafting the perfect Fitness Crunch Bar, a delicious and nutritious snack tailor-made for your taste buds and health goals. So, grab your mixing bowl, embrace the spirit of culinary adventure, and prepare to crunch your way to snacking satisfaction!
Start your day with a fitness crunch bar!
Fitness Crunch Bars
Alex is a fitness aficionado, empowers others towards healthier, active lives through small, sustainable changes for lasting results. Visit Gearuptofit.com for insightful tips and resources to enrich a balanced lifestyle.