No-Bake Matcha Bars

Friday, November 20, 2020

Make a batch of these vibrant energy bars for a delightfully healthy, anytime treat that's ready in no time at all! Fold a mix of rolled oats & crispy puffed rice into maple-sweetened almond butter to form the base layer. Blend verdant, earthy matcha green tea powder with more almond butter, oats & maple syrup, then press on top of the cereal base. Freeze to firm up then finish off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt & cut into bars.

10 min active; 40 min total; serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

• 8-inch square baking pan
• 1 piece parchment paper
• 1 cup puffed rice
• 3/4 cup + 1 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 6 Tbsp +1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup + 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. MAKE THE BAR BASE

• Line baking pan with parchment
• In a bowl, mix to combine puffed rice & 3/4 cup rolled oats
• In a small pot, combine 6 Tbsp maple syrup & 1 cup almond butter with 1/4 tsp table salt over med and heat up until smooth, about 1—3 min, whisking constantly
• Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until combined
• Press into pan and set aside

2. MAKE THE MATCHA LAYER

• In a food processor or blender, chop remaining 1 3/4 cup oats on high for about 20 sec, or until powdery
• In a bowl, combine oat powder & matcha
• Add remaining 1/3 cup maple syrup, remaining 1/2 cup almond butter & vanilla extract and combine to make a thick paste, microwaving at 15 sec intervals to make a little easier to stir (if too thick, add up to 5 Tbsp almond milk or hot water, 1 Tbsp at a time)
• Press into pan on top of cereal layer

3. CHILL & CUT INTO BARS

• Place pan in freezer for 30 min to firm up
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cut into bars