Zen Bars
Discover your new favorite healthy snack with these no-bake Zen Bars! Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and a medley of crunchy pumpkin seeds and slivered almonds, these bars are both wholesome and satisfying. Sweetened naturally with honey and studded with dried cranberries and rich dark chocolate chips, they strike a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With just 10 minutes of prep time and no need for baking, Zen Bars are a quick, fuss-free way to fuel your day. Perfect as an on-the-go breakfast, post-workout treat, or midday energy boost, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Vegan-friendly substitutions and freezer storage make them an ideal make-ahead snack, so you’ll always have a healthy option at hand.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 0.5 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 0.25 cup pumpkin seeds
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds
- 0.33 cup dried cranberries
- 0.33 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and honey. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is warm and slightly runny.
Add the vanilla extract to the almond butter and honey mixture, then pour it over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the mixture thoroughly until the dry ingredients are completely coated and stick together. Fold in the dark chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it firmly and evenly into the dish using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
Once the mixture has set, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12 bars.
Store the Zen Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer-term storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3777 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.4 g | 279% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.6 g | 163% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 180 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 357.1 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 66.5 g | 238% | |
| Total Sugars | 179.2 g | ||
| Protein | 113.1 g | 226% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1086 mg | 84% | |
| Iron | 28.2 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 3767 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
