Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with decadent chocolate chips, all nestled within a crunchy oat base. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars are not just a snack – they're a game-changing experience that will revolutionize your healthy eating routine. Whether you're a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who craves delicious, nutritious treats, these homemade bars are about to become your new favorite go-to snack!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup flaxseeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and flaxseeds, stirring to create an even mixture.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm peanut butter and honey together for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the oats and flaxseeds, mixing thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips, reserving the remaining chips for topping.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the granola slab out of the pan and cut into 10 even bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and consistency. Quick oats can make the bars too mushy.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well when cut.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Patience is key!
- For extra nutrition, experiment with adding chia seeds or chopped nuts to the mixture.
- Line your pan with parchment paper with some overhang for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the bars from becoming too dry.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture.
- If you prefer a softer bar, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes. For a crunchier texture, bake an extra 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
