Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried carrot pieces, dried apple pieces, rice puffs, and crushed dried mealworms (if using). Give them a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Blend for Uniformity:If you prefer a finer texture, you can pulse the mixture in a blender or food processor a few times. This step is optional but helps in binding the bars better.
Add the Wet Ingredients:In a small bowl, mix the honey and water until well combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients. If using flaxseed meal, add it now. Mix everything together until the dry ingredients are well-coated with the honey mixture.
Form the Bars:Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly into a flat, even layer about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure it's packed tightly so the bars will hold together once baked.
Bake:Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and Cut:Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a knife to cut the mixture into small bars or bite-sized pieces appropriate for your hamster's size.
Storage:Store the Cuddle Critter Crunch Bars in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to two weeks.