I remember the first time I tried a Z Bar from Clif Kid—it was the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal snack for energetic kids. Whether you’re looking to fuel a busy day or need a quick treat, recreating this bar at home is a game-changer.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these tasty bars that your little ones will love. Plus, making them yourself means you control exactly what goes into each bite, ensuring a healthier option without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Creating these homemade Z Bars is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to make delicious, nutritious snacks your kids will love.
Prepare Ingredients
- Chop Almonds: Lightly chop ½ cup of almonds and set aside.
- Measure Dry Ingredients: Measure out 2 cups of rolled oats, ½ cup of dried cranberries, and ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips.
- Stir Well: Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Heat Peanut Butter and Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of natural peanut butter and ½ cup of honey, stirring until smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are well coated.
Form and Shape Bars
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan.
Bake Bars
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into individual bars.
Tools & Equipment
Creating the perfect homemade Z Bar requires having the right tools at your fingertips. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience:
Measuring Tools
- Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and other ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons: to ensure precise quantities of vanilla extract and other small-volume ingredients.
Mixing Essentials
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients like oats, almonds, and chocolate chips.
- Medium Saucepan: To gently heat the peanut butter and honey, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Preparation Tools
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping almonds.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for neatly chopping almonds into the desired size.
Baking Supplies
- 9×9 Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size to press and bake your Z Bars evenly.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lines the baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F to bake your bars to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: Allows your bars to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: For slicing the cooled mixture into neat bars without sticking.
Having these tools ready before you start will make the process of crafting homemade Z Bars seamless and enjoyable. Each piece plays a crucial role in ensuring your bars have the perfect texture and flavor, just like the original Clif Kid’s Z Bar.
Make Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Z Bars in advance ensures you always have a healthy snack ready for your kids. Follow these steps to make and store them effectively.
Preparation
- Bake the Bars: Complete the recipe steps and allow the bars to cool completely on a cooling rack before cutting into squares.
Storage Options
- Choose a Storage Method: Decide whether to refrigerate or freeze the bars based on your needs.
Storage Duration
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Store Properly:
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Freeze: Layer the bars with parchment paper and store them in freezer-safe containers to prevent sticking.
Thawing and Serving
- Thaw Before Serving:
- Refrigerated Bars: Keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Frozen Bars: Transfer the desired number of bars to the refrigerator the night before or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Additional Tips
- Portion Control: Individually wrap each bar in parchment or plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.
- Labeling: Mark containers with the date to monitor freshness and ensure timely consumption.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can efficiently manage your time and provide your children with delicious, homemade Z Bars whenever they need a boost.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage ensures your homemade Z Bars stay fresh and delicious for weeks to come. Follow these steps to maintain their quality:
Refrigeration
Store the Z Bars in an airtight container to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. Layer the bars with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When refrigerated, they stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the month.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Individually wrap each Z Bar with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain their shape. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen Z Bars can be enjoyed for up to three months.
Thawing and Serving
When ready to enjoy your frozen Z Bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This gradual thawing preserves their texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours if you need them sooner.
Portion Control
For convenience, consider individually wrapping each Z Bar before storing. This method allows you to grab a single bar without exposing the rest to air, maintaining their freshness. Individually wrapped bars are also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on-the-go.
Storage Duration
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months |
By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your homemade Z Bars remain a tasty and nutritious snack option for your active kids anytime they need a boost.
Conclusion
Making these homemade Z Bars has been a game changer for my family. It’s great knowing exactly what’s in my kids’ snacks and seeing them enjoy every bite.
Having a simple recipe with accessible ingredients makes it easy to keep healthy options on hand. Plus the flexibility to customize ensures everyone stays satisfied.
I love how easy it is to prepare these bars ahead of time, ensuring a nutritious treat is always available. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the tasty benefits of homemade goodness.
