Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts - 1/4 cup dried fruit - A pinch of salt Each serving has about 200 calories. You get 8 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs. These energy bars offer a good mix of nutrients. The oats give you fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Adding chocolate or nuts boosts flavor and nutrition. You can make these bars fit your needs by choosing your add-ins. They are tasty and good for you. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven gets warm, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges. This helps when you want to lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats and natural peanut butter. Next, add in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Then, mash one large ripe banana and mix it in. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Stir these ingredients until they form a sticky, cohesive mixture. Now, fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, and 1/4 cup of dried fruit. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. When done, carefully take the dish out. Let it cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into bars or squares. To get the best texture for your energy bars, start with the right ingredients. I recommend using rolled oats, as they give a chewy feel. If you want a softer bar, add more mashed banana or a bit more peanut butter. You can also mix in some ground flaxseed for added fiber and a softer bite. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps the bars stick together when baked. If the mix feels too dry, a splash of water can help. Just remember, a little moisture goes a long way. Serving your energy bars can be fun and creative. You can stack them on a nice plate for a great look. Wrap each bar in parchment paper for a neat touch. This makes them easy to grab on the go. For a fancy finish, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top before serving. This adds color and texture. You can also serve them with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced snack. To keep your energy bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for about three months. When you are ready to eat, just take out a bar and let it thaw for a bit. Enjoy your homemade treat any time! Pro Tips Storage Tip: Keep your energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Customization Tip: Feel free to swap the nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins to create your own unique flavor. Texture Tip: For an extra chewy texture, allow the bars to cool in the fridge for a few hours before cutting them into squares. Serving Tip: Serve these bars as a quick breakfast or a post-workout snack for a delicious energy boost! {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your energy bars by using different nut butters. Try almond butter or cashew butter for a new spin. Each nut butter adds its unique flavor. For sweeteners, honey works great, but maple syrup gives a nice twist. You can even use agave syrup if you want something different. If you want to change things up, consider different add-ins. Instead of nuts, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add crunch and flavor too. For fruits, swap raisins for chopped dates or dried apples. You can also change the grains by using quinoa flakes instead of oats. This will give you a new texture and taste. Making your bars vegan is easy. Just use maple syrup instead of honey and choose a vegan nut butter. For gluten-free bars, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. If you want lower-calorie options, reduce the nut butter and chocolate chips. You can add more mashed banana or applesauce to keep them moist. These small changes let you enjoy tasty bars that fit your diet. Homemade energy bars pack a punch of nutrition. They use simple, whole ingredients. Rolled oats give you fiber, which helps with digestion. Natural peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup offers natural sweetness without added chemicals. The ripe banana gives potassium and makes the bars moist. Adding dark chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit boosts the flavor. These ingredients also add vitamins and minerals. You can feel good knowing you control what goes into your bars. This makes them a healthy snack for kids and adults alike. Making energy bars at home saves you money. Store-bought bars can cost a lot. A box of 6 bars may run you $6 or more. With homemade bars, you spend less per serving. The ingredients for this recipe cost around $5 total. Plus, you make 12 bars. That’s about 42 cents per bar! When you make your own bars, you avoid high prices. You also skip the hidden sugars and additives. Your wallet and your health will thank you. One of the best parts of making energy bars at home is the freedom to customize. You can choose your favorite flavors and add-ins. Do you love nuts? Add more! Want a berry burst? Toss in some dried cranberries. You can also make these bars fit special diets. Use almond butter for nut allergies. Swap honey for agave to make it vegan. This control lets you create energy bars just the way you like them. Enjoy the fun of personalizing your snacks! Yes, you can use quick oats. However, the texture will change. Quick oats cook faster and become softer. Rolled oats keep some bite and shape. If you want chewy bars, stick with rolled oats. These energy bars last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each nut butter adds its unique taste. Make sure to choose a nut butter that suits your allergies or preferences. This blog post covered how to make easy homemade energy bars. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfect texture. You can flavor these bars any way you like. Plus, you learned about their health benefits and how they save money. Making energy bars at home gives you control over what you eat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Healthy snacks can be fun and easy!$

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

Delicious and nutritious energy bars made with peanut butter, oats, and a variety of mix-ins.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup dried fruit
a pinch salt

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating up, prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some excess paper to hang over the edges for easy lifting later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive and slightly sticky mixture.
Next, fold in the dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of salt into the oat mixture, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the smooth back of a spoon to firmly press the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you notice the edges turning a lovely golden brown.
After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely while still in the pan.
Once cooled, hold onto the parchment overhang to lift the entire block of energy bars out of the dish and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into bars or squares of your preferred size.

Notes

Serve the bars in a charming stack on a decorative plate, or wrap them individually in parchment paper for an aesthetically pleasing and convenient on-the-go snack. For a delightful finishing touch, consider sprinkling a few additional chocolate chips or nuts on top before serving, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.

Keyword energy bars, healthy, snack