Homemade CLIF Bar Nut Butter Filled Blueberry Almond Butter Energy Bar 12 Bars Recipe: Better Than The Original With Half The Sugar

Category: Energy Bars

Introduction

The CLIF Bar has long been a staple in the world of energy bars, providing a convenient and wholesome snack for adventurers, athletes, and busy individuals alike. Since its inception in 1992 by Gary Erickson, CLIF Bar has become synonymous with quality, taste, and sustainability. Among its many varieties, the Nut Butter Filled Blueberry Almond Butter Energy Bar stands out for its creamy nut butter filling, chewy texture, and burst of blueberry flavor. However, store-bought options often come with added sugars and preservatives that many of us would rather avoid.

Making your own CLIF Bars at home allows you to control the ingredients, reduce sugar content, and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s cost-effective and fun! Imagine biting into a bar that tastes just like the original but with the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a healthier, homemade version of the CLIF Bar Nut Butter Filled Blueberry Almond Butter Energy Bar that’s packed with real ingredients and half the sugar of the original.

Why Make It at Home?

• Customization: Tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, whether that means adding more nuts, less sugar, or different flavors.
• Healthier Ingredients: Use organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients to create a bar that aligns with your dietary goals.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own energy bars at home can save you money in the long run compared to buying individual bars.
• Freshness: Enjoy the satisfaction of eating a freshly made bar without preservatives or additives.

Personal Anecdote

I remember my first CLIF Bar like it was yesterday. I was on a hiking trip with friends, and someone handed me one as a quick energy boost. The combination of chewy oats, nutty almond butter, and sweet blueberry flavor was love at first bite. But as I started paying more attention to nutrition labels, I realized how much sugar was in each bar. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a homemade version. After months of trial and error, I finally nailed a recipe that tastes even better than the original—and with half the sugar!

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:20 minutes
• **Cook Time:0 minutes (no baking required)
• **Total Time:20 minutes
• **Yield:12 bars

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (120g) puffed rice cereal
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup (30g) chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp (3g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1.5g) sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120g) creamy almond butter (no added oil or sugar)
• 1/4 cup (60g) honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened almond butter for the filling
• 1 tbsp (15g) coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried blueberries

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup (30g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
• 1 tbsp (15g) flaxseed meal

Instructions

• Prepare the Workspace: Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, puffed rice cereal, almonds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to combine.
• Make the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix almond butter, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Fold in the dried blueberries and optional add-ins (if using).
• Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly with a spatula or your hands (dampen them with water to prevent sticking).
• Add the Nut Butter Filling: Spread the unsweetened almond butter evenly over the top of the pressed mixture.
• Chill: Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set.
• Cut into Bars: Remove from the fridge and cut into 12 equal bars.
• Store: Wrap individually in plastic wrap or wax paper for easy snacking.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Use only 2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup and add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to bind.
• Crunchy Version: Add 1/4 cup of crushed nuts or seeds for extra texture.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a surprising kick.
• Vegan Version: Replace honey with maple syrup and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

Special Equipment

• Food processor (optional, for grinding oats into a finer texture)
• 8x8 inch pan
• Spatula or spoon for mixing
• Parchment paper

Pro Tips

• Perfect Texture: For the chewiest bars, don’t over-mix the ingredients. Stop once everything is just combined.
• Filling Tip: If the almond butter is too runny, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before spreading to make it easier to handle.
• Customize: Experiment with different nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter for a unique flavor.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried ones?

  • No, fresh blueberries will make the bars too moist and prone to spoilage. Dried blueberries are the best option for texture and shelf life.

• What if the mixture is too sticky?

  • Add a bit more oats or puffed rice cereal to balance it out.

• Can I make these bars vegan?

  • Yes! Simply replace honey with maple syrup and ensure all nut butters are free from animal-derived ingredients.

• How long do these bars last?

  • When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll last for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Can I scale the recipe?

  • Absolutely! Double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Serving Suggestions

• On-the-Go Snack: Perfect for hiking, biking, or any outdoor adventure.
• Breakfast Boost: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a quick breakfast.
• Post-Workout Fuel: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs makes it an excellent recovery snack.

Conclusion

Making your own CLIF Bar Nut Butter Filled Blueberry Almond Butter Energy Bars at home is not only rewarding but also healthier and more cost-effective than buying them at the store. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same delicious taste and satisfying texture of the original but with half the sugar and none of the preservatives. Share your creations with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—we won’t judge! Let us know how your homemade CLIF Bars turn out and what customizations you try in the comments below. Happy snacking!