Healthier Milo Bars (Kid-Approved!)
A delicious, wholefood take on the classic lunchbox favourite — without the ultra-processed sugars, additives or mystery ingredients. These naturally sweetened bars are crunchy and packed with nourishing pepitas, puffed brown rice, and cacao for that chocolatey Milo-style flavour kids love. Perfect for school snacks, after-school energy boosts, or even as a quick breakfast on the go.
Dietary: VEG, DF, NF
Allergens: /
Age group: 24 months+
Serves: 15
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10-15 mins
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Ingredients
Adjust Servings
| ¼ – ⅓ cup (60 – 80g) raw honey | |
| ⅓ cup (80ml) melted coconut oil | |
| 2 tbsp (12.5g) cacao powder | |
| ⅓ cup (60g) pepitas | |
| 4–5 dates (120g), sulphur-free | |
| 1 ½ cups (50g) puffed brown rice | |
| 2 tbsp (20g) desiccated coconut |
Equipment
| High-speed food processor |
Directions
1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking dish with baking paper.
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2.
Place the pepitas and dates into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
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3.
Add the honey, coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and cacao powder, and process again until well combined. The mixture should be wet.
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4.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the puffed brown rice, and stir until fully combined (you may find it easier to mix with your hands; lightly grease them with coconut oil).
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5.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes for an extra crunchy bar.
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6.
Allow to cool completely before removing from the tin and slicing into bars. The bar will harden further once cooled.
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7.
1 tsp pure vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)
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Notes
Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Easy Swaps: Swap pepitas for sunflower seeds or other seeds of choice. Swap dates for unsweetened dried fruit of your choice (e.g. apricots, figs, or sultanas). Adjust sweetness by using more or slightly less honey if desired.
For Fussy Eaters: Drizzle bars with dark chocolate for an extra treat.
