Soft & Chewy Snack Bars

With soft & chewy snack bars for baby

As much as we try to steer our children away from snacking, there really is no avoiding it at times: mid-morning “I’m hungry, mummy”, after school “daddy, I'm starving”, or post swimming cravings! These soft and chewy snack bars give your little ones 12 months + (and you) that fantastic little energy boost you need, minus all of the additives and preservatives which come with a lot of the store-bought bars. Easy to make, natural and full of goodness!

Prep Time: 5 Mins | Cook Time 40 Mins

Yield: 13-14 bars

Ingredients

50g Pecans
100g Jumbo blanched peanuts
255g Dates pitted and chopped (Medjool if you can find them as they are nice and soft)
45g Rolled oats
30g Raisins
20g Sunflower seeds
10g Chia seeds
90g Honey
80g Crunchy peanut butter

METHOD

First, roast your nuts by placing them on a baking sheet in a fan oven preheated at around 155 degrees for 10-15 minutes, taking care not to let them burn. As soon as they become a little darker in colour, they are ready.
While these roast, use a food processor to blend your dates until they form a mushy ball like consistency.
Mix your dry ingredients (oats, raisins, sunflower seeds and chia seeds) in a separate bowl along with the dates to fit the food processor, then set aside.
Using a small saucepan, heat the peanut butter and honey together over medium heat until combined, then pour over the dry ingredients and mix together along with the nuts in the food processor on a low speed.
Line a loaf tin or similar with parchment paper. If you don't have parchment, then use cling film and pour the ingredients into the pan. Using the back of a spoon press the mixture downwards and into the corners of the tin, compacting it nice and firm to prevent them from breaking apart once handled.
Place the tin in the fridge for 20 minutes, then remove from the tin, slice into rectangular snack bars and enjoy!