Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars

Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars Recipe from Barbados

Region / culture: Barbados | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Introduction

These Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for on-the-go or as a quick breakfast option. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

The recipe for these crunchy bars dates back to the early 1900s when people were looking for convenient and portable snacks to enjoy throughout the day. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 cup (250 ml) of Barbados sugar
1 cup (250 ml) of vegetable oil
1 whole egg
1 egg white
1 tsp (5 ml) of vanilla extract
1.5 cups (375 ml) of crushed corn flakes
1.5 cups (375 ml) of rolled oats
0.5 cup (125 ml) of sesame seeds
0.25 cup (60 ml) of soy flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) of cinnamon
1 tsp (5 ml) of allspice
1 tsp (5 ml) of nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) of raisins
0.5 cup (125 ml) of chopped dried figs
1 cup (250 ml) of shredded coconut
1 cup (250 ml) of chopped nuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a 9" x 13" pan.
In a large bowl, beat together Barbados sugar, vegetable oil, whole egg, egg white, and vanilla extract.
Add corn flakes, rolled oats, sesame seeds, soy flour, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
Stir in raisins, figs (or chocolate chips), coconut, and chopped nuts.
Spread the mixture evenly over the pan and press down lightly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until crisp around the edges.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them.

Variations

Swap out the dried fruit for your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots.
Experiment with different nuts and seeds to customize the flavor and texture of the bars.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent the bars from sticking.

- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together well.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these crunchy bars as a quick breakfast option, a midday snack, or a post-workout treat. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a satisfying snack.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of Barbados sugar for a natural sweetener.

- Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for the vegetable oil for a nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles for a neat presentation. Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these crunchy bars with a cup of yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven to crisp them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these crunchy bars contains approximately 200 calories, making them a satisfying and guilt-free snack option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these crunchy bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making them a great source of energy for your day.

Fats

These bars are rich in healthy fats from ingredients like nuts, coconut, and vegetable oil, providing essential nutrients for your body.

Proteins

With a combination of nuts, sesame seeds, and soy flour, these bars offer a good amount of protein to help keep you full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

These bars are packed with vitamins and minerals from ingredients like raisins, figs, and oats, providing a nutritious boost to your diet.

Alergens

These bars contain nuts and soy flour, so they may not be suitable for those with nut or soy allergies.

Summary

Overall, these Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars are a well-rounded snack option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

These Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack option that is easy to make and perfect for enjoying on the go. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars. It was a rainy day, and I was cleaning out the old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I sorted through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked away in the corner.

The note was written in elegant script, and it detailed a recipe for a delicious snack that promised to be both crunchy and sweet. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients list and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the combination of crispy cereal, chewy dried fruit, and gooey marshmallows.

I had always loved to experiment in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and putting my own twist on old favorites. This recipe for Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bars seemed like the perfect project for a rainy day, so I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and clearing off the counter space.

The first step was to melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large saucepan, stirring constantly until they were smooth and gooey. The sweet scent of melting marshmallows filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, I added in the crispy rice cereal, stirring until it was evenly coated in the sticky marshmallow mixture. Then came the fun part – folding in the chopped dried fruit and nuts, adding a burst of color and flavor to the mix.

Once everything was well combined, I pressed the mixture into a greased baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. I popped the dish into the oven to bake, the tantalizing aroma of toasting nuts and caramelizing sugar wafting through the house.

As the bars baked, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the sticky mixture clinging to the spoon. The combination of sweet and savory, crunchy and chewy, was absolutely divine. I knew that this recipe was going to be a hit with my family and friends.

When the timer finally went off, I carefully removed the dish from the oven and let it cool on the counter. The bars had turned a golden brown and were firm to the touch, the dried fruit and nuts peeking out from the crispy cereal like hidden treasures.

I couldn't wait to cut into the bars and see how they turned out. With a sharp knife, I sliced them into neat squares, the marshmallow mixture holding everything together in perfect harmony.

I took a bite of the finished Cereal and Dry Fruit Crunchy Bar, savoring the combination of flavors and textures. The crispy cereal provided a satisfying crunch, while the dried fruit added a burst of sweetness and chewiness. The nuts lent a rich, nutty flavor that rounded out the whole experience.

I knew that this recipe was a keeper, one that I would make again and again for years to come. It was a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of discovering new and delicious recipes to share with loved ones.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the memories and stories that had been passed down through the generations in that old recipe box. Each recipe was a link to the past, a connection to the people and places that had shaped my love of cooking.

And so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I knew that I would continue to treasure those recipes and the stories behind them, sharing them with my own loved ones and creating new memories to pass down to future generations. Cooking truly is a labor of love, and I was grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition in my own kitchen.