Simple and Chewy Breakfast Bars

This recipe comes from Nigella Lawson’s ‘Nigella Express‘. They’re chock-full of some of my favorite ingredients: coconut, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts—all bound together with sweetened condensed milk for that perfect chewy texture. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, they come together effortlessly—no complicated steps or fancy equipment required. Simply mix everything, spread it into a pan, and bake!

The result? A perfectly chewy, slightly crisp, and wonderfully satisfying treat that’s great for breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or even a sweet-but-nutritious snack. You can substitute the oats for granola and add any seeds and dried fruit ( I also love adding diced dried apricots). Simply delicious!

Nigella’s Breakfast Bars

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) non-fat sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or your favourite muesli/granola
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
• 1 cup natural unsalted peanuts

Instructions

• Position an oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 140C/280F degrees.
• Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line with baking paper
• Warm the condensed milk in a pan or in the microwave
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut, cranberries, seeds and peanuts.
• Add the warmed sweetened condensed milk and stir until everything is well mixed and coated with the milk.
• Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down with a spatula or your lightly greased hands, to even out the surface.
• Bake for 1 hour.
• Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.
• Cut into 24 bars and then let cool completely.
• Store in a covered container.

Beware the barrenness of a busy life. – Socrates