Peanut Bran Bars
Crunchy peanut bran bars combine the richness of peanut butter and raisins with the crunch of bran cereal, perfect for a healthy snack or quick energy boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine margarine, peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir until mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine bran cereal, raisins, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon in a well-greased pan.
- Pour the hot syrup mixture over the cereal mixture and stir to combine.
- Let cool until firm, then cut into 40 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting almond butter for peanut butter. You can also use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup. For added texture, try mixing in some seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which pair beautifully with the bran cereal.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a great on-the-go snack and can be enjoyed alongside a smoothie for breakfast. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. For a more indulgent dessert, serve them with a scoop of ice cream. You might also enjoy them with some fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Peanut Bran Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Bran Bars contains roughly 204 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, you can substitute bran cereal with rolled oats or a different high-fiber cereal. Just make sure to adjust the quantities if needed since different cereals may absorb liquids differently.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make the Peanut Bran Bars gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free bran cereal. You can also check that your peanut butter and other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).