No Bake Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Granola Bars Lower Fat Food

NO-BAKE RICE KRISPIES PEANUT BUTTER GRANOLA BARS (LOWER-FAT)

Steps:

• lightly grease 11 x 7-inch, can use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish but you will have a thinner bar.
• In a large bowl combine Rice Krispies cereal, oats and raisins.
• In a saucepan stir the corn syrup or honey and brown sugar until just at a boil.
• Immediately remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.
• Pour over the dry ingredients in the bowl; mix to combine.
• Mix in mini chocolate chips (if using) work fast the mixture hardens quickly.
• Transfer the mixture into prepared baking dish, then using slightly wet hands push evenly down into the pan.
• While the mixture is still soft, for easier slicing take a sharp knife and slice into desired size bars.
• Chill until firm.

NO BAKE GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• Line a 9 x 13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Mix rolled oats, cereal, craisins, coconut and almonds in a large bowl. Set aside. (I cut the coconut with two knives so it will not be stringy.)
• In a saucepan, mix corn syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir just to blend well.
• Pour over oats and fruit mixture. Stir and mix well. Press mixture firmly onto pan. (I place a piece of wax paper on top while pressing hard.) Let cool and cut into bars. Store in air-tight container. Freezes well, if securely wrapped.
• Enjoy!

FAT FREE GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• In a non-stick pan, place the oats and bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes to toast to a golden brown. Transfer the oats to a large bowl, add the cereal and raisins, and toss well to combine.
• In a blender or food processor, place the dates and water; allow to sit 5 minutes, and then process for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Transfer the pureed dates to a saucepan and add the apple juice concentrate, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the extracts. Pour the date mixture over the oat mixture and toss well to combine. Pour the mixture into the same pan used to toast the oats, and place a piece of waxed paper on top of the mixture.
• Use a can on top of the waxed paper to roll out the mixture evenly, and compress it firmly. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. It will seem soft but will harden as it cools.
• Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, cut into 24 bars, and transfer to a rack to cool completely. Wrap them individually in aluminum foil, waxed paper, or plastic cling film, or store in an airtight container.

PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIES BARS (NO-BAKE)

Steps:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup and peanut putter; microwave on HIGH for 3-4 minutes or until melted, stirring once.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Fold in rice cereal and the chopped peanuts until well combined.
• Spread into a lightly buttered 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
• Cover and chill for 1 hour or until set.
• Cut into squares.

LOWER FAT PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIES BARS

Steps:

• Spray an 11 x 7 or 13 x 9-inch pan with non stick cooking spray.
• In a saucepan over low heat melt butter with vanilla (do not brown the butter or bars will be dry).
• Add in marshmallows and stir until completely melted; remove from heat.
• Stir in peanut butter until completely combined.
• Mix in the cereal until combined.
• Using damp hands press into prepared pan.
• Cool completely then slice into 24 (2x2-inch) pieces or as desired.