Nut butter energy bars

This is one of my grandmother’s recipes! They are absolutely gorgeous – fruity, nutty, and totally moreish. They’re packed full of deliciousness and they are the perfect snack for on the go, as they’re filling and energy boosting. I take them with me whenever I go on a long walk – or they’re perfect about an hour before a long run. These flapjacky babies are also perfect in lunch boxes and make lovely little nibbles if you’ve got friends coming over and need something in a pinch!

You can swap the dried fruit for whatever you’ve got in the cupboard, including: chopped apricots, dried cherries, raisins… the possibilities are endless!

• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 tbsp golden syrup
• 4 tbsp nut butter (any sort!)
• 140g dried cranberries
• 185g rolled oats
• 50g soft brown sugar
• 100g chopped dates
• 25g desiccated coconut
• 3tbsp sunflower seeds
• 3tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 180°c.
2. Melt the butter, golden syrup, and peanut butter in a large (go big – it will help later!) saucepan over a medium heat. Add the sugar, and mix in. Cook on medium for a few mins until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined. If it’s looking a little bit dry, add another tablespoon of golden syrup and another of butter and mix well.
4. Grease a 20 cm square tin, then press the mixture well into the tin and smooth over with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then allow to cool in the tin for at least 2 hours. Keep an eye on it and check after 10 mins. I accidentally burnt a batch recently after forgetting about it!
6. Cut into squares and serve!