Cereal bar with chocolate

Cereal and Chocolate Bar - a delicious and healthy snack

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Introduction

The cereal and chocolate bar is the perfect snack for moments when you need energy, whether you're on the go, at the office, or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet. This simple and quick recipe combines the flavor of chocolate with the crunchy texture of cornflakes and the sweetness of dried strawberries. Plus, it's a healthy choice, rich in fiber and nutrients. I will guide you step by step through the preparation process and provide useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients

- 100 g cornflakes - choose whole grain cornflakes for a fuller taste and increased nutritional benefits.
- 60 g dried apricots - rich in fiber and vitamins, they add a sweet note and a soft texture.
- 50 g dark chocolate - you can use any preferred type of chocolate, but dark chocolate adds a pleasant contrast.
- 2 tablespoons honey - a natural sweetener that adds extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sugar - helps with caramelization and improves texture.
- 50 g butter - gives creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.

A bit of history

Cereal bars have become popular in recent decades as a healthy snack, but the concept of combining cereals with various ingredients for a substantial snack dates back a long time. They were often made at home to meet the energy needs of those with an active lifestyle. Today's recipe is a modern variant that blends tradition with contemporary ingredients.

Step by step: How to prepare the cereal and chocolate bar

1. Prepare the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. This will help you work more efficiently and not waste time searching through the pantry.

2. Melting the honey and sugar
In a small saucepan, add the honey and sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly. It is important not to let the mixture boil hard, but to melt slowly. This step will help achieve a uniform texture.

3. Adding the butter
Once the honey and sugar have melted and started to form a syrup, add the butter cut into cubes. Continue stirring until the butter is completely melted. You will notice that the mixture becomes denser. A useful tip: if you want to add an even more intense flavor, you can use salted butter.

4. Including the chocolate
When the butter is melted, add the dark chocolate cut into pieces. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes homogeneous. At this stage, you can smell the delicious aroma of chocolate throughout the kitchen.

5. Cooling the mixture
After obtaining a homogeneous composition, let it cool slightly. It is important not to add solid ingredients to the hot mixture, as they may soften and lose their texture.

6. Adding the cornflakes and apricots
Once the mixture has cooled, add the cornflakes and finely chopped dried apricots. Mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated. If desired, you can also add some chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

7. Forming the bar
Prepare a small tray and place parchment paper at the bottom. Pour the mixture into the tray and level it with a spatula or spoon. It is essential that the mixture is well compacted to obtain uniform bars.

8. Cooling in the refrigerator
Place the tray in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step will help firm up the bars so that you can easily portion them.

9. Portioning
Once they have cooled and hardened, remove the bars from the tray and cut them into the desired shapes. Whether you choose rectangular or square shapes, make sure they are of similar sizes to be uniform.

10. Serving
The cereal and chocolate bars are ideal to be served as a snack between meals or as a healthy dessert. You can accompany them with a flavored tea or a delicious smoothie to create a perfect combination.

Variations and useful tips

- Substitutions: If you don't have dried apricots, you can use raisins, cranberries, or even pieces of dried banana. Each variant will provide a different and interesting taste.
- Add seeds: To enhance the nutrient intake, you can add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia to the mixture.
- Spices: A hint of vanilla or cinnamon can enhance the flavor of the bars, giving them an even more pleasant taste.
- Store correctly: The bars can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them.

Nutritional benefits

These bars are an excellent source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the cornflakes and dried fruits. Additionally, dark chocolate has antioxidant benefits, contributing to heart health. By using natural ingredients, this recipe becomes a healthy alternative to commercial snack products that contain additives and refined sugars.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use white chocolate?
Of course! If you prefer white chocolate, it will add a sweeter taste and a creamy texture. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences.

2. Can I make the bars without butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or another type of vegetable fat instead of butter to create a vegan version of the recipe.

3. What is the best way to store them?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent drying. If you keep them at room temperature, make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight.

4. Can I add protein to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate protein powder into the chocolate mixture or add peanut butter to increase the protein intake.

In conclusion, the cereal and chocolate bar is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make snack. Try this recipe and let your imagination soar with your favorite variations. Whether you enjoy them yourself or share them with friends and family, these bars are sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces!