Skip to content
recipesvibrant

'Get Up & Go' Bars

I found these at the Mr. Food site. My friends says they really are called Get Up and Go Bars because with all the fiber, you really will have to get up and run! Especially if you have one of these bars with your first morning cup of coffee!

5.0 · 57 reviewsRecipe card by Mirj2338Editorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
BreakfastDessertCookie & BrownieVeganKosherCamping
'Get Up & Go' Bars

Total time

10 min

Servings

24

Calories

245.2

Category

Bar Cookie

The 'Get Up & Go' Bars are the ultimate no-bake solution for busy mornings and trail-ready fuel. These chewy, protein-packed squares rely on a simple stovetop boil to create a sticky, satisfying texture perfect for beginners and large crowds alike.

Ingredients

Makes 24 servings

  • 1/2 sugar
  • 1 1/2 light corn syrup
  • 1 peanut butter
  • 4 rolled oats
  • 1 dried cranberries

Method

  1. Line a 9" x 13" baking dish with foil and coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. (I just use parchment paper, ungreased).

  3. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter over medium-high heat.

  4. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  5. Add the remaining ingredients; mix well then spread evenly into the prepared pan.

  6. Let cool then cut into bars and serve, or cover until ready to serve.

Cook's notes

  • Stir the peanut butter and syrup mixture constantly once it reaches a boil to prevent the sugar from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
  • Press the oat mixture into the corners of your 9x13 dish using the back of a greased spatula or the bottom of a flat glass for an even thickness.
  • If using parchment paper as suggested, leave a slight overhang on the sides of the pan to easily lift the entire slab out before slicing.
  • Work quickly after adding the rolled oats, as the mixture firms up rapidly once the heat is removed.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Light corn syrup, use Brown rice syrupA thicker, less-sweet alternative that helps the bars hold their shape better.
  • Instead of Dried cranberries, use Dried apricots or raisinsSwap for any chewy dried fruit; chop larger fruits like apricots into small bits for better distribution.
  • Instead of Peanut butter, use Almond or sunflower seed butterUse a creamy, drippy nut or seed butter to maintain the same emulsification with the sugar.
  • Instead of Rolled oats, use Quick oatsQuick oats yield a softer, more uniform bar, whereas rolled oats provide a rustic, hearty chew.

Frequently asked

Do I need to toast the oats before adding them?

You do not need to toast them; the residual heat from the sugar and syrup mixture softens the raw oats sufficiently.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

The sugar and corn syrup ratio is essential for the structural integrity and 'glue' that binds these bars together; reducing it may cause them to crumble.

Why did my bars turn out too hard?

You likely boiled the sugar and syrup mixture for longer than 60 seconds. Cooking it too long creates a hard-crack candy texture instead of a chewy bar.

Are these bars suitable for camping trips?

Yes, they hold up very well at room temperature and provide a sturdy, energy-dense snack that won't melt like chocolate-based treats.

You might also like

More Bar Cookie →