Peanut Butter Granola Bars

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When it comes to snacks that check all the boxes—delicious, nutritious, and easy to make—peanut butter granola bars are hard to beat. Whether you’re packing lunch for the kids, fueling up for a workout, or just satisfying a mid-afternoon craving, these bars are the perfect go-to option.

Why Peanut Butter Granola Bars Are a Game-Changer

Granola bars have long been a staple in the snack aisle, but peanut butter granola bars elevate the concept to a whole new level. Here’s why:

1. Convenience: The bars are portable and mess-free, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. Toss one in your bag for a quick energy boost on the go.
2. Versatility: These bars can double as a breakfast replacement, post-workout snack, or even a dessert. They’re endlessly adaptable to fit your needs.
3. Flavor-Packed: The rich, creamy taste of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the crunch of granola, creating a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.
4. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they are a balanced snack that keeps you energized and satisfied.

How to Customize Your Peanut Butter Granola Bars

One of the best things about peanut butter granola bars is their versatility. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a bar that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Add-Ins for Extra Crunch

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds add texture and a nutritional boost.
• Crispy Rice: For a lighter, airy texture, mix in some puffed rice or rice cereal.

2. Sweeten the Deal

• Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup, or agave nectar provide a touch of sweetness without refined sugars.
• Dried Fruits: Raisins, cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates can add natural sweetness and chewy texture.

3. Amp Up the Flavor

• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavor profile.
• Extracts: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a subtle aromatic twist.

4. Make Them Indulgent

• Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips can make your bars feel like a dessert.
• Drizzles: Top your bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.

5. Tailor to Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and check labels on other ingredients.
• Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Creative Uses for Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Granola bars aren’t just for snacking. Here are some innovative ways to incorporate them into your meals and desserts:

1. Breakfast Parfaits: Crumble a bar over vegan yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick, balanced breakfast.
2. Energy Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls instead of forming bars for a fun, poppable snack.
3. Trail Mix Booster: Chop a bar into small pieces and mix it with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a homemade trail mix.
4. Dessert Crust: Use crushed bars as a base for pies.

How to Make Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups quick cooking rolled oats
• ¾ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2 – Mix Peanut Butter

Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, sea salt, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium sized mixing bowl. Mix well.

Step 3 – Incorporate Oats

Add oats to the peanut butter slowly, being sure to fully incorporate all ingredients.

Step 4 – Add Chocolate Chips

Add chocolate chips to the mixture and mix well. Ingredients should stick well together when pressed.

Step 5 – Pour into Dish

Pour oat mixture into a 9×9 dish lined with parchment paper. Press mixture firmly into the pan.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 7 – Cool

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to completely cool. Once cooled, carefully lift the parchment paper along with the oat mixture out of the pan and onto a cutting board.

Carefully slice your bars in half and then each half can be sliced into fourths.

Tips for Storing Peanut Butter Granola Bars

To ensure your peanut butter granola bars stay fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here’s how to do it:

• Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Refrigeration: Extend shelf life by keeping bars in the fridge, where they can last up to two weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze bars in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

More Plant Based Snacks

If you like this recipe, you’ll love these plant based snacks too:

• No Bake Energy Balls
• Strawberry Chia Pudding
• Oatmeal Cups
• Apple Oatmeal Muffins
• Chocolate Banana Bread

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