Posted by It is hard sometimes to find healthy lunchbox snacks that your kids will eat and that which don’t contain nuts. And ideally something that isn’t processed (I hate giving them things that contain corn syrup – you would be surprised how common that is).
Muesli bars are ubiquitous in Australia. It was something I missed when I lived in Taiwan – they are so handy to have around as a snack food. They are surprisingly dense in calories and also surprisingly sweet, but still super yum.
My homemade one can be made in a jiffy using leftover ingredients in your cupboard. Thanks to a tip from my lovely sister, I have taken to incorporating weetbix as well (being frugal I refuse to through out the crumbly bits at the bottom of the package that my kids will not eat). You can use any other breakfast cereal you have on hand for this, but preferably one that is not too sweet.
This recipe works out at just under 30c per bar – and using some quality seeds that only a top of the line muesli bar would incorporate. I like to cut them into bars and wrap them in foil to be eaten later – well, I do cheat and eat them straight out of the pan while warm. But wrapped in silver alfoil they look super duper impressive, just like silver ingots.
I want to experiment with muesli bars to find a lower sugar version, but for now this at least uses some wholegrains and healthy things that kids otherwise might not touch. Or adults for that matter.
1 can condensed milk
2 cups weetbix crumbs
1 1/2 to 1 2/3 cups of rolled oats
1/4 cup dessicated coconut
1/4 cup pepita seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup linseeds
Chocolate buttons (for topping)
Method
- Put the weetbix and rolled oats into a large bowl, sprinkle on the coconut, pepita, sunflowers and linseed, then pour over the condensed milk. Stir until combined. If the mixture is still a bit runny, add more oats.
Ingredients in a bowl 
Mixing in the condensed milk - Grease a square lamington pan and spoon the mixture in. Use a spatula to press the mixture down so that it is smooth and even.
Spoon the mixture into a greased lamington tin, then press down firmly - Dot with chocolate buttons – this isn’t essential and if you are trying to reduce chocolate dependencies go without.
Dot with chocolate buttons - Bake in the oven at around 150C for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Cut in the pan while still slightly warm.
Based on ALDI prices:
Condensed milk – $1.85 (or cheaper if you make your own)
Weetbix – free, bottomo of the packet
Oats – 15c
Coconut and seeds – $1 (approx – you can use any leftover dried fruit as well)
Chocolate buttons (for topping, optional) – 50c
Total: $3.50
Makes 12 (plus a small little bit sized bit)
Defo have to give this a go
I hope you do, and I hope they are super delicious for you.
Fabulous! I am always trying to find new muesli bar recipes. They always seem to fall apart on me. Maybe condensed milk is the magical ingredient.
Condensed milk is definitely the magic ingredient:) I do want to create a lower sugar version, but oh my, how I just love anything with condensed milk in it. It really holds everything together well, and is super easy to use. You can make your own condensed milk to make this recipe cheaper, but in this write-up I wanted to focus on the easy aspect.
I’ve never had these but they look delicious! I’m not a huge fan of condensed milk but I would give it a try. I’ll have to give these a go!
I am sadly way too much a fan of condensed milk:) That sad, the combination is really yummy.
I have (after many attempts) developed a great recipe for muesli bars. The liquid component consists of 50g melted butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup and 240g apple puree (you can make your own from old “unattractive” apples). You can keep all the other dry ingredients the same as your recipe (with or without the chocolate buttons). Bake at 170C for 20 – 30 mins.
Thank you so much for sharing. This looks great. I will look forward to trying it.
Healthy snacks are hard to find now a days, most mainstream snacks goes for the taste and less on the nutritional content. That’s why kids often love junk foods and adults alike. I love that you shared this Muesli Bars recipe, now I can create my own energy bar for snacking, and maybe bring in cinnamon or vanilla just to add more fragrance and flavors. 🙂
Yes, healthy snacks are hard to find. I look forward to hearing about your energy bar:)
This is a very practical and delicious looking recipe, have to give it a shot as it’s hard to get good granola bars which aren’t full of corn syrup like you mentioned, the other ones cost an arm and a leg or often don’t taste good!
I also don’t like to throw anything away that can be used. Have you tried making your own condensed milk? That way you can make it less sweet?
Yes, I also make my own condensed milk! I didn’t with this one because I was feeling lazy. But basically it is powered milk and sugar, with a bit of butter if you want a less grainy texture.
Oh My! This is a clear winner recipe! I just want to have a bar now!
LOL, very easy yet very addictive.
Love muesli bars, of course they are an essential part of an Australian pantry. Making your own is a great idea, they turn out nicer, healthier and cheaper than the shop bought versions.
I could imagine you would make a very healthy version:) Mine are kind of based on what is in the pantry. I couldn’t buy muesli bars when I was in Taiwan. I didn’t miss them so much, but found them convenient when I came back.