Homemade grain bars: An easy guide to a healthier snack

Grain bars have been popular for years. Though they might seem more suited for children, adults also eagerly enjoy them. Instead of paying extra in the shop and getting overwhelmed by reading labels, why not try a simple recipe and make these bars at home? It's easier than you might think.

You don't need much to make these bars, and the list of ingredients won't leave you questioning the sense of making them at home. The only slightly unusual addition is maple syrup, which can optionally be replaced with liquid honey. The recipe is simple, so it's a great opportunity to involve the youngest members of your household in preparing the bars. You don't need to turn on the oven, but the mixture does need to chill in the fridge, so a little patience is useful.

Crispy grain bars with a layer of chocolate are so delicious that store-bought versions can hardly compare. Add the taste of peanut butter, the sweet aroma of maple syrup, and a hint of coarse salt that balances the flavour – everything works harmoniously together.

Ingredients:

• 100g cornflakes,
• 100g peanut butter,
• 25g maple syrup,
• 1 bar of dark chocolate,
• 30ml double cream (30%),
• Coarse salt for sprinkling.

Instructions:

Step 1. Transfer the cornflakes to a blender and blend into a fine mixture. Choose cornflakes without adding nuts or honey – the mixture will be sweet enough with the other ingredients.

Step 2. Transfer the ground flakes to a bowl. Add the peanut butter and maple syrup and mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with parchment paper and smooth it out. Adjust the tray size to the size of the bars you want. The larger the tray, the thinner the base, and thus the smaller the bars.

Step 3. Melt the chocolate with the cream and spread it over the flakes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 4. After this time, cut the contents of the tray into smaller pieces. Homemade grain bars are now ready to eat. Enjoy!