Crunchy 7 Grain - Sesame Bars

These nutty, crunchy snack bars pack a serious amount of texture into every bite. Seven-grain cereal, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and crunchy peanut butter all bound together with maple syrup and baked until golden and firm. No flour, no eggs, no butter.

Maple syrup and peanut butter are the only binders holding this together, and they work surprisingly well. The maple caramelizes during the long bake, cementing the grains and seeds into a bar that’s crispy on the outside and slightly chewy inside. Crunchy peanut butter (not smooth) adds its own nutty bits to the mix.

Orange zest is a subtle but important touch. It adds a bright, citrusy note that keeps the bars from tasting flat or one-dimensionally sweet. You won’t taste “orange” exactly, but you’ll notice if it’s missing.

Pro Tips

• Pat the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Loose packing means crumbly bars that fall apart when sliced. Really press it down with the back of a spoon or your oiled hands.
• Cool completely before slicing. These bars need time for the maple syrup to set up. Cutting them warm gives you a crumbly mess.
• Use a sharp knife and press straight down rather than sawing. The sesame seeds and grains can cause a sawing motion to tear the bars apart.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep for about a week and actually get crunchier after the first day.

Variations

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars for an indulgent finish.
• Dried fruit version: Add ½ cup chopped dried apricots or cranberries to the mix before baking for a chewy, fruity contrast.