Cycling Energy Bars
This recipe combines natural sugars and complex carbs for the perfect cycling fuel. Natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, while complex carbs sustain energy levels.
This recipe combines natural sugars and complex carbs for the perfect cycling fuel. Natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, while complex carbs sustain energy levels.
- Carbohydrate 94.9948 g
- Cholesterol 7.84 mg
- Fat 35.8665 g
- Fiber 9.94499972343445 g
- Protein 5.7239 g
- Saturated Fat 21.30615 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (145g)
- Sodium 26.75 mg
- Sugar 85.0498002765655 g
- Trans Fat 2.06091 g
- Calories 714 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the maple syrup and peanut butter over medium heat until hot. Stir often to prevent burning the bottom.
- Combine the cereals, cranberries and chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl. Pour and stir in the heated maple syrup/peanut butter mix into the cereal mixture. Mix well until it is all coated.
- Press into a square pan. Let cool completely before cutting. Once cut i freeze them and grab a couple every time we head out.
- Only eat these if your exercising heavy. Each 2X2 piece delivers about 250 calories (wowza!) and 40 grams of carbs. But it's a perfect dose of energy for a long endurance ride.
Thermal energy management during the binder-heating phase prevents scorching sugars that cause bitter notes. Pure maple syrup contains invert sugars that resist crystallization when heated, creating a pliable matrix with the peanut butter. Heat the sticky mixture only until it flows easily, keeping the burner at a moderate setting to protect dairy solids in the chocolate from separating prematurely.
Dietary adaptations require understanding how fat ratios affect structural integrity. Swapping the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter maintains the exact one-to-one volume ratio, though natural seed oils separate faster and may require an extra quarter cup of dry oats to absorb excess liquid. Almond butter works identically, yielding a firmer final block due to lower moisture content.
Achieving structural cohesion depends entirely on mechanical force during the pan-pressing stage. Compacting the warm mixture firmly into the square pan eliminates air pockets that cause crumbling during transit. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup coated lightly with oil to press the mass evenly into every corner before chilling.
Freezing extends storage windows significantly for high-fat baked or pressed snacks containing chocolate. Segment the chilled block into two-inch squares using a sharp chef knife wiped clean between cuts to prevent smearing. Store portions in airtight containers for up to three months.
