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I am relatively new to the world of power/protein bars. I tried a couple a few years ago, and they tasted like cardboard, so I gave up. But more recently, I decided to give them a try again. I have been searching for something healthy, and filling I could eat for breakfast. I found the Cool Mint Clif Bars, and was really impressed.
I think the same week I tried the Clif Bars, Michelle from Brown Eyed Baker posted a no-bake recipe for Clif Bar from scratch. I knew I had to try them immediately, but with mint extract and some cocoa powder. These are super easy to throw together. There is no baking required, so in a matter of minutes you can be snacking on these. Probably best to wait longer so they completely harden, but you get the idea.
These are not exactly like the store bought ones, but they sure are good. They are healthy, full of whole grains, and a relatively good for you snack. I haven’t run the nutritional information, so I don’t know how they compare the original. I do know that you can feel good about eating all of the ingredients in here, so they can’t be too bad for you.
Chocolate Mint Cliff Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup prunes, (dried)
- 11/4 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- Drizzle, (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 drop mint extract
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Line an 8 inch baking pan with foil, and spray with non stick spray.
- Using a food processor, pulse the prunes until they are finely chopped. In a large bowl mix together the prunes, Rice Krispies, oats, flax seed, cocoa powder and salt.
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, mix together the peanut butter and honey. Heat until melted, and well combined, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and stir in the mint extract.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the prune mixture and stir until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread into the prepared pan, and press firmly to pack it down.
- Prepare the drizzle (if using). In a small bowl combine the sugar, mint, and milk. Stir until thin and easy to drizzle, adjust the milk and sugar if necessary. Drizzle over the bars. Place in the fridge and allow to harden for about an hour before cutting.
- Cut, and store in an air tight container for about a week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I don’t think these would make it to the fridge to set! They sound terrific and I love that this treat can be ready within minutes. 🙂
Bah… nutritional info! Doesn’t matter as long as they’re this healthy. They sound great. 🙂
YUM! I’ve not had a Clif Bar before but if this recipe is any indication, its very tasty 🙂 I love that these are no bake
I haven’t jumped on the power/protein bars bandwagon yet but you’re totally inspiring me to give it a try!
I never go without Clif Bars–I always have one in my purse for whenever I get hungry and the Chocolate Mint is one of my favorite flavors. Gee, would love to try making it myself at home. Bookmarking this. 🙂
What a great and easy snack!
I love chocolate mint Clif bars! Such a great idea to make your own!
As a child, my fave flavour for anything – ice cream, bars, cookies – is mint chip. I’m pretty sure these bars will evoke such childhood memories for me!
yum! i am absolutely making these!
Mmm…looks good! If I may, I’d like to invite you to submit your photos to the new YumGoggle, a photo sharing site with the philosophy that if you worked hard to cook it and photograph it, we should show it off! Hope to see you there soon!
http://www.yumgoggle.com/gallery/