Almond Flax Crispy Treats
A healthy and nutritious alternative to the classic rice cereal treat! These no-bake bars are filled with omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed, almond butter and crispy brown rice cereal.
(Disclosure: I entered this recipe into a contest sponsored by Manitoba Milling Co. I was not compensated for the recipe development. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.)
Almond Flax Crispy Treats
I'm constantly experimenting with different snack bar or protein bite combinations. I often want a little snack before exercising in the afternoon or to help power through the morning. Adding flaxseed to snack bars or energy bites are an easy (and delicious!) way to boost intake of fiber, protein and heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
Almond Flax Crispy Treats
I received a sample of Manitoba Milling Co. Smooth Whole Milled Flaxseed and have been impressed with just how smooth it is! Typical ground flaxseed is rather coarse and flaky. This flaxseed is soft and just mixes right in to whatever it is added to - smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods and even meatballs (I made some sweet and sour turkey meatballs with it that turned out great!).
For this recipe I just wanted to keep it simple for those who may have never used flaxseed. There are just 4 ingredients in the basic recipe! But, there are countless modifications you could do - add nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips (I added some chocolate chips and sea salt to a few bars), or coconut flakes to name a few.
For the cereal, I used brown rice cereal instead of basic rice cereal. Brown rice cereal has more fiber and less added sugar. (I'm trying to convert my husband to this cereal rather than the classic rice cereal - he loves the classic but he's coming around!). Any nut butter would work for the recipe - almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower seed.
I wrapped these individually and kept them in the freezer to pull out on my way out the door. A perfect crunchy, sweet snack full of nutrition and flavor!
Almond Flax Crispy Treats
Ingredients:
- ½ cup almond butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup ground/milled flaxseed
- 3 cups Brown Rice Cereal
Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, sea salt, chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut, cinnamon
Place the flaxseed and cereal in a large bowl. Mix to combine. In a small saucepan, combine the almond butter and honey over medium-low heat until the almond butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the almond butter/honey mixture over the cereal and flaxseed. Stir well (can add optional ingredients if desired).
Place mixture into a 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch pan (ungreased) and press down. (I place Saran wrap on top of the mixture and press down on the Saran wrap to flatten the mixture). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Store covered in the refrigerator or freezer.
Makes 15 bars or squares.
