No Bake Nut Lover’s Bars are a combination of smooth peanut butter and chopped nuts, packed with healthy fats and protein, and topped with a drizzle of hazelnut spread.
I remember the first time Joey ate nuts. When he was 8 months old, I was making French toast and spread a thin layer of peanut butter on his piece of toast. He was midway through his breakfast and I shrieked with horror! I just gave my baby peanut butter! What if he was allergic?! Shouldn’t I wait until a year to introduce it into his diet? At the time, the recommendation to introduce allergenic foods was a year. Fast forward one year later and Mr. Anthony is ready to eat solid foods and the recommendations have changed. I found myself making the same piece of peanut butter French toast for Anthony, cautiously watching him for a reaction. Neither of my boys are allergic to nuts, and in fact sometimes nuts are the only source of protein they’ll eat depending on their mood. So this no bake nut lover’s bars are dedicated to them and their particular eating habits!
This month’s Recipe Redux challenge is centered on nuts. October 22nd is actually recognized as National Nut Day. As I have mentioned before, I often use non-animal sources of protein as nutritional insurance when it comes to feeding my kids. For those of you that have children with allergies, I give you so much credit because I would find myself stuck if I couldn’t fall back on a peanut butter sandwich for their lunch or peanut butter spread on a banana for a snack. I’m sorry this recipe is so nutty, but I have a few other recipes your kiddos might like for a snack or breakfast that do not contain nuts.
No bake bars are some of my favorite snacks/treats to make because they are fairly forgiving if you add a little more or less of one or two ingredients. These no bake nut lover’s bars are also customizable based on what nuts you have on hand! Just don’t forget the chocolate hazelnut spread as the topping. It makes this recipe a good mix or sweet and salty!
- 1.5 cups peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup hazelnut spread
- Combine the peanut butter and honey in a large, microwavable safe bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds. Stir, and microwave for an additional 15 seconds.
- Add oats and nuts. Mix well.
- Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly in the pan. Drizzle with softened hazelnut spread.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes. Cut into bars [I made 8]. Store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to one week.
Whether you call this a dessert, snack, or breakfast bar, just make sure you have a big glass of milk to wash it down!
For other Recipe Redux nut recipes, make sure you visit the links below!
