Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup These three ingredients form the heart of the bars. The rolled oats give a nice base, while peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the bars, making them a tasty treat. - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/2 cup shredded coconut You can mix in chia seeds for extra nutrition. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich taste. Shredded coconut adds a chewy texture, making the bars even more delightful. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making each bite more enjoyable. These seasonings are small but mighty in flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key for even baking. Next, take your baking pan, and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. - Combine oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and salt in a large bowl. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and salt. Stir these together well. This blend forms the base of your bars and gives great texture. - Warm peanut butter and honey in the microwave. - Stir in vanilla extract. Now, grab another bowl. Warm the peanut butter and honey together in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them easier to mix. Once warm, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to your bars. - Mix wet and dry ingredients together. - Adjust texture with water if needed. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix until everything combines well. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water. This helps to bind the mixture. - Gently fold in dark chocolate chips. Now, take your dark chocolate chips and gently fold them into the mix. Make sure they spread evenly. The chocolate adds a rich taste to your bars. - Press mixture into the pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. - Cool before slicing. Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking pan. Make sure it spreads evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the edges to be slightly golden. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to cool fully before slicing. Enjoy your homemade treats! Pack your ingredients tightly for the best texture. This makes the bars firm and easy to cut. If the mix is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or more honey. This helps to bind everything well. To know when your bars are done, check for golden edges. They should feel set but still soft in the middle. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step makes cutting easier later. Serve bars on a wooden platter for a nice look. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra flair. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt for a tasty finish. These small touches make your bars stand out! Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier and more flavorful base. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste, or use a sugar alternative if desired. Press Firmly: Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to achieve a dense and chewy texture in your bars. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of these bars. Try using almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter. This swap gives a new taste, while keeping the rich texture. You can also use different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while dark chocolate gives a nice bite. White chocolate can add creaminess too. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite flavors! If you want a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. These sweeteners work well and keep the bars sticky. You can also use certified gluten-free oats to make this treat gluten-free. Just check the label to ensure they are safe and suitable for your needs. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars without worry. To make your bars even healthier, consider adding dried fruits or seeds. Chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries add a nice chew and flavor. You can also mix in protein powder for a more filling snack. This boost makes these bars great for post-workout fuel or a hearty breakfast. Customize your bars to fit your taste and nutritional needs! To keep your peanut butter chocolate oat bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for easy access. If you prefer, you can also store them in the refrigerator. This may change the texture slightly, making them firmer. When stored at room temperature, these bars last about one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. If you like your bars warm, you can reheat them. Place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the chocolate a little melty and the peanut butter warm. If you prefer a chilled treat, enjoy them straight from the fridge. Both ways are delicious! You can easily make these bars nut-free by using sun butter or soy nut butter. Both options taste great and keep the texture smooth. You can also try using seed butters like pumpkin seed butter. These swaps let you enjoy the same yummy flavor without nuts. Yes, you can use quick oats. They will change the texture a bit. Your bars may be softer and less chewy. If you want a firmer bar, stick with rolled oats. They give a better bite and hold up well. You can boost nutrition by adding: - Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins - Seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds - Protein powder for extra energy These ingredients add flavor and nutrition to your bars. Yes, these bars are great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store them. Just cut them into squares and keep them in an airtight container. This way, you'll always have a healthy snack ready. You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both options work well. They will change the taste slightly, but they still taste sweet and delicious. Just keep the same amount for a good balance. To prevent crumbling, pack the mixture tightly into the pan. Press down firmly when spreading it out. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water. This helps hold the bars together and makes them easier to cut. These tasty bars are easy to make and packed with good stuff. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. I shared ideas for variations and storage, too. Remember, you can adjust flavors and textures to suit your taste. Whether you want a quick snack or a fun treat, these bars fit the bill. Enjoy making them and feel proud of your delicious creation!$

Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bars

Delicious and healthy oat bars made with peanut butter, chocolate, and optional chia seeds and coconut.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup natural peanut butter
0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
0.25 cup chia seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut (if using), and salt. Mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they are easily mixable. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water to help bind it together.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Make sure to pack it down tightly for the best texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift the bars out using the overhang of parchment paper and place on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Arrange the bars neatly on a wooden platter or in a stacked formation. For added flair, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sea salt before enjoying.

Keyword chocolate, healthy, oat bars, peanut butter, snack