A breakfast bar is a quick and easy breakfast for kids, but the nutritional value of commercial bars is often questioned by parents and health experts. According to Kaboose, many of these packaged bars are high in sugar, don't contain real fruit and aren't made with whole grains as many claim to be. However, many bars can be prepared right at home that are lower in sugar and higher in nutrients--better for a child's breakfast.
Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars
According to Cooks.com, this breakfast bar made with peanut butter, bananas and oatmeal provides a serving of bread, fruit and protein and half a serving of dairy. The bananas provide potassium, which is important for healthy blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The peanut butter supplies protein, which supports healthy muscles, and the oats provide fiber, a nutrient that can help your child feel full until lunchtime. To prepare the bars, mash two bananas and combine with one cup of dry oatmeal, 2/3 cup of dry milk, 1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter, 4 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp. each of baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon and 2 tsp. of vanilla. Spread on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. This recipe serves four children.
Apricot Walnut Cereal Bars
With only honey and dried fruit to sweeten them, Eating Well's Apricot Walnut bars make a nutritious breakfast. To prepare the bars, bake three cups of old-fashioned rolled oats and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts at 350 degrees for eight to 10 minutes. Then mix them with three cups of unsweetened puffed grain cereal, two cups of chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and a 1/2 tsp. of salt. Separately puree 12 oz. of silken tofu with one egg, 1/2 cup of canola oil, one cup of honey, 1 tbsp. of vanilla extract and 2 tbsp. of freshly grated lemon zest. Fold the oat mixture into the tofu mixture and spread on a large baking sheet that has been greased. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. The 16 servings in this bar provide a healthy dose of fiber that will help keep your child's digestion regular. In addition, the vitamins in the apricots promote healthy immunity, and the heart-healthy fats in the walnuts keep your child's cholesterol at desirable levels.
Muesli Breakfast Bars
According to MayoClinic.com, these bars made with muesli are healthy and portable and make a good breakfast for kids and adults alike. The bars contain nuts, which are important for heart health, and apples, which increase fiber intake and help your child stay full all morning. To make them, combine 2 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of soy flour, 1/2 cup of fat-free dry milk, 1/2 cup of toasted wheat germ, 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of chopped dried apples, 1/2 of cup raisins and 1/2 tsp. of salt. Then mix one cup of dark honey, 1/2 cup of unsalted peanut butter and 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a saucepan and cook on medium-low until blended, but not boiling. Mix in 2 tsp. of vanilla extract and blend the mixture with the oats; combine well. Place in a greased baking pan and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. The recipe makes 24 servings.
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