My Go To Power Bars

As promised, here is recipe number two for Recipe Week. These power bars are easy to make and full of nutrients. They are packed with simple sugars, complex carbs, protein, and a hit of caffeine which makes them a perfect snack in the middle of long hike. They are my go to power bar recipe. 

My Go To Power Bars

inspired by this recipe by Heidi Swanson, 101 cookbooks

1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 C hemp seeds
1/3 C pumpkin seeds
1/3 C sunflower seeds
1/6 C chia seeds
1/6 C slivered almonds
2/3 C shredded coconut
1 1/4 C rolled oats
1 1/2 C crisp rice cereal
1/2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips ( optional )
1 C brown rice syrup
1/4 C ground espresso beans
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt


1. In a large bowl, mix together seeds, nuts, coconut, oats, and rice cereal.
2. Line a 9x13" pan with parchment paper
3. Combine the coconut oil, rice syrup, salt, espresso, and vanilla in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it begins to boil and thicken a bit. 
4. If using chocolate chips, let the syrup mixture cool slightly. Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture and mix well. Press in prepared pan. I put some butter or coconut oil on my hands, and do it with my hands rather than a utensil. 
5. Cool to room temp and cut into bars. 
6. Take them on your next excursion involving activity. I usually freeze at least half of the batch and take them out when we need them. They freeze well, and will defrost while you're hiking.