Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, combining wholesome oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. Optional chocolate chunks and nuts add extra texture and flavor, making these bars perfect for a quick breakfast or an energy-boosting treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. If using, add the chocolate chunks or chopped nuts at this stage to evenly distribute them.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir continuously until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a thick, sticky batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly to ensure the bars hold together well after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown color, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the dish and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to help the bars hold their shape.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optional add-ins like dried fruit or seeds can be included to vary the flavor and texture.
Keywords: peanut butter oatmeal bars, healthy snack, no refined sugar, natural sweetener, homemade energy bars, easy oatmeal bars, peanut butter snack
