A recent Which? report looked at the nutritional content of 11 commercially prepared cereal bars and found that most contained a lot of artery clogging saturated fat and provided less energy and fibre than an equivalent bowl of cereal. These, homemade bars are high in fibre so they are filling, low in saturated fat, sugar and salt, they taste great and are incredibly easy to make.

Makes 14 bars
Preparation time 12-15 minutes
Cooking time 15- 20 minutes

175g porridge oats
50g sultanas
75g dried apricots, finely chopped
50g dried papaya, finely chopped
50g sugar free dates, finely chopped
25g flaked almonds
25g sesame seeds
2 tbsp clear honey, warmed
3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
1-2 medium egg white

1. Preheat the oven to 190ÀöC/375ÀöF/Gas 5, 10 minutes before baking. Lightly oil and line the base of a 25x20 cm/ 10 x 8 inch baking tin with non stick baking paper.
2. Place the porridge oats in a mixing bowl together with all the dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Mix together using a wooden spoon.
3. Pour the honey into a small saucepan and add the peanut butter, Heat gently stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until smooth. Pour into the oat mixture and mix with the wooden spoon.
4. Place the egg white in a small bowl or measuring jug and beat with a small wire whisk until light and frothy. Pour into the oat mixture and mix with the wooden spoon until the mixture sticks together.
5. Spoon into the prepared tin then using clean hands, press into the tin making the mixture as even as possible.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and feels firm when touched lightly with a clean finger. Remove and allow to cool before marking into bars. Leave until cold before removing from the tin.

Cooks tip:

• Make 2-3 times the amount of these bars and store in an airtight tin.
• Use them as a snack throughout the day, as a post school pick up or include them in packed lunches.
• Children love to make these so why not let them join in the fun!

For more nutritious snack ideas, click here