Big Sur High Power Bars: An Ode to the California Coast

The first time I tasted a power bar like this, I was halfway up a trail overlooking the Pacific, the Big Sur coastline stretching out before me like a dream. The salty air, the scent of redwood, the sheer, awe-inspiring beauty – it all seemed to infuse the bar itself with a magic that went beyond just fuel. It wasn’t just sustenance; it was a taste of adventure, a reminder that the most rewarding experiences often require a little effort, and that the simplest ingredients, combined with intention, can create something truly remarkable. These bars capture a bit of that magic – a portable taste of the California wilderness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yields: 16-24 bars
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (see variations)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (or other healthy oil)
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (or nut of your choice)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (or nut of your choice)
• 2/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds (or and nutritional yeast flakes)
• 1 1/2 cups crisped brown crispy rice cereal (not the puffed rice-or use rice crispies)
• 1 cup chopped dried cranberries (or dried fruit of your choice)
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup brown rice syrup (or use agave syrup, or maple syrup or try honey, using a little less)
• 1/4 cup unrefined unbleached cane sugar (turbinado sugar, or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Equipment Needed

• 9″ x 13″ baking pan (or 8″x8″ for thicker bars)
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Small skillet
• Small saucepan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with the sunflower oil. If you prefer thicker bars, use an 8″ x 8″ baking pan instead. The smaller pan will result in a denser, chewier bar.
3. Spread the rolled oats, walnuts, and shredded coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Toast the mixture in the preheated oven for about 7-9 minutes, or until the coconut is golden brown and the nuts are fragrant. Be sure to stir the mixture twice during baking to ensure everything toasts evenly and prevents burning. This toasting step is crucial for developing the flavors of the nuts and coconut, so don’t skip it!
5. Once toasted, transfer the baking sheet ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
6. Add the oat bran, dried cranberries, crystallized ginger, ground flax seeds, and crisped brown crispy rice cereal to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
7. In a small skillet, heat the sesame seeds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Be sure to stir constantly, as sesame seeds burn easily. Remove from heat when they become golden brown in color and emit a nutty aroma. This toasting process will greatly enhance their flavor.
8. In a small saucepan, combine the brown rice syrup, unrefined unbleached cane sugar, pure vanilla extract, and fine grain sea salt.
9. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it starts to bubble and boil and thicken slightly. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
10. Pour the hot liquid mixture into the large mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully coated in the syrup. Ensure that no dry pockets remain, as this will affect the bar’s cohesion.
11. With buttered hands (this prevents the mixture from sticking), firmly pat the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down evenly to create a compact and uniform layer.
12. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top of the mixture. Gently press them into the surface to help them adhere.
13. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This may take several hours, or you can speed up the process by placing the pan in the refrigerator.
14. Once cooled, it may be easier to tip the bars out of the pan before cutting. Use a sharp knife to cut them into desired sizes.
15. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or waxed paper for easy handling and storage.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toasting the Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the nuts! It deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. Watch them carefully in the oven, as they can burn quickly.
• Sticky Situation: These bars are naturally sticky due to the syrup. Buttering your hands is essential for pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also use a piece of parchment paper to press down on the mixture.
• Customizing the Texture: For chewier bars, use an 8×8 inch pan. For a slightly drier bar, add an extra 1/4 cup of oat bran.
• Even Cooling: Make sure the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
• Syrup Substitute: If using honey, start with a slightly smaller amount (about 3/4 cup) as honey can be sweeter than brown rice syrup.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Big Sur High Power Bars as a quick and healthy snack, a post-workout energy boost, or a treat on the go. Their rustic appearance makes them perfectly presentable, especially when wrapped individually in parchment paper tied with twine.

Store the wrapped bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 2 months. If freezing, thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210 kcal	11%
Total Fat	12g	15%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	50mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	9%
Dietary Fiber	5g	18%
Sugars	8g
Protein	4g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, particularly the oats and crispy rice cereal, are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup or agave in place of honey.
• Nut-Free: Substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a combination of seeds.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits like apricots, dates, or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter treat, stir in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips after adding the liquid mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my bars falling apart?
A: This usually happens if the bars are not cooled completely before cutting. Make sure to allow ample cooling time for the syrup to set. Also, ensure the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.

Q: Can I use regular rice crispies instead of brown rice crispies?
A: Yes, you can, but the brown rice crispies add a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber. Regular rice crispies will work in a pinch.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps bind the bars together. Reducing it too much might result in crumbly bars.

Q: How do I prevent the sesame seeds from falling off the top?
A: Make sure to press the sesame seeds firmly into the surface of the mixture immediately after sprinkling them on top.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They store well and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

Final Thoughts

These Big Sur High Power Bars are more than just a snack; they’re a taste of adventure, a reminder of the beauty and energy of the California coast. They are incredibly adaptable to your own preferences and dietary needs, so feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own variations. Pack a bar on your next hike, enjoy one with a cup of tea, or simply savor the taste of homemade goodness. Happy baking!