Homemade "Clif" Bars--White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

AKD is a teenage boy.  As you may or may not be aware, teenage boys are always hungry.  At least this one is.  So AKD takes snacks to school to tide him over between meals.  He likes Clif Bars, which we've been buying at Sam's Club.  But it's the same old story.  Store bought is expensive; I'd rather make my own.  AKD's favorite is white chocolate macadamia nut, and I've developed a recipe that doesn't quite taste like Clif bars--I think my homemade bars taste better; AKD doesn't think one is better than the other.  But they're delicious, and they're definitely cheaper.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Energy Bars

{Adapted from here}

{Click here to print this recipe}

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups crisp rice, puffed millet, or puffed quinoa cereal
• 2 c. quick oats
• 1/4 c. ground flax seed
• 1/2 c. macadamia nuts or cashews, finely chopped
• 1 c. white chocolate chips (divided use)
• 1 c. honey or brown rice syrup
• 1 c. peanut butter or almond butter
• 2 t. vanilla extract
• 1/2 t. coconut oil or butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together crisp rice cereal, quick oats, flax seed, nuts, and 1/2 c. white chocolate chips.  Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together honey, peanut butter, and 1/4 c. white chocolate chips, just until melted and combined.  Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until well combined.*  Press mixture firmly and evenly into a greased or parchment lined 9x13 inch pan.**
4. In a small microwave safe bowl or cup, melt remaining 1/4 c. white chocolate chips according to package instructions.  Add coconut oil and stir until smooth.  Drizzle white chocolate mixture over the top of the bars in the pan and refrigerate until firm.

* I pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture while it's still warm, which melts the white chocolate chips a bit.  If you want bigger chunks of white chocolate in your finished bars, wait until the peanut butter mixture cools to room temperature.

** I just spray my hands with cooking spray and use them to press the mixture into the pan.