Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup protein powder (optional) - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients create a tasty and healthy snack. The oats give a nice chew. Natural peanut butter brings protein and healthy fat. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Protein powder is optional, but it boosts nutrition. Chia seeds offer fiber and omega-3s. Dried cranberries or chocolate chips add a fun touch. Salt balances the sweetness, and vanilla adds flavor depth. - Calories and Macronutrients per Bar Each bar has about 200 calories. It contains 8 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 24 grams of carbs. This makes it a great snack to fuel your day. - Health Benefits of Key Ingredients Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. Oats are high in fiber, promoting gut health. Chia seeds add more fiber and help you feel full. Using honey or maple syrup gives natural sweetness without refined sugar. Each ingredient serves a purpose, making these bars a smart snack choice. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your bars cook evenly. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to help you lift the bars out later. This makes it easier to cut the bars without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. This creamy base helps bind your bars and adds flavor. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of protein powder (if using), 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries (or chocolate chips), and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients together well. This step ensures the oats and seeds are evenly spread throughout the mixture. Now it's time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is well combined. You want a consistent texture to ensure each bite tastes great. Press the mixture down firmly into your prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn slightly golden. Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Allow them to cool completely before cutting them into bars. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack! To get the right texture, mix your wet and dry ingredients well. Start by blending the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until creamy. Then, stir in the oats, chia seeds, and salt. The mixture should be thick but not dry. When you press it into the pan, use your hands or a spatula to pack it tightly. This helps the bars hold together after baking. You can make these energy bars vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup. For a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks without worry. Want to spice things up? Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also toss in chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Chocolate chips give a sweet twist. These simple changes boost flavor and add fun textures to your energy bars. Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option that enhances flavor. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits, nuts, or seeds, depending on your taste preferences. Press Firmly: Make sure to press the mixture down firmly in the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together when cut. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling and to achieve cleaner edges. {{image_2}} You can change up your peanut butter oatmeal energy bars for more fun. Here are two tasty ideas: - Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars: Swap dried cranberries for chocolate chips. The sweet chocolate mixes well with the creamy peanut butter. You’ll love this treat after a workout! - Cranberry Almond Oat Bars: Mix in chopped almonds instead of chocolate chips. Use dried cranberries for a fruity touch. This combo adds crunch and a burst of flavor. Want to boost your bars with protein? You can add protein powder. Use about 1/2 cup of your favorite kind. This helps make your energy bars filling and great for muscle recovery. Good options include: - Whey protein - Plant-based protein - Collagen powder Mix it with your dry ingredients for even flavor. No time to bake? No problem! You can make no-bake energy bars. Just follow these steps: 1. Combine Ingredients: Mix the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and any add-ins in a bowl. 2. Press Mixture: Use a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press down the mixture firmly. 3. Chill: Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set. 4. Cut and Enjoy: After chilling, cut into bars and enjoy! No heat needed, just tasty snacks ready to go. For storing your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars, use airtight containers. Glass jars work well. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. These options keep the bars fresh and tasty. You can keep these energy bars at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing is a great way to keep your energy bars longer. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps keep them fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, just take a bar out and thaw it at room temperature. You can also heat it in the microwave for a warm snack. Yes, you can! Here are some great alternatives: - Almond butter - Cashew butter - Sunflower seed butter - Hazelnut butter These nut butters can change the taste, but they work well in this recipe. Pick one that you love! These energy bars last for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze them. They stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them when you're ready to enjoy! Yes, these bars are quite healthy! They have a mix of oats, nut butter, and seeds. Here are some benefits: - Rolled oats provide fiber and energy. - Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. - Chia seeds are rich in omega-3s and antioxidants. - Honey or maple syrup gives natural sweetness. These bars are a great snack for anyone looking to stay healthy while enjoying tasty food! In this post, we covered how to make delicious peanut butter oatmeal energy bars. We explored the key ingredients, such as oats, peanut butter, and chia seeds, which provide great nutrition. You learned the detailed steps for mixing, baking, and storing these bars. Remember, you can always customize the flavor with your favorite mix-ins. Making these bars can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your healthy snack and share it with family and friends!$

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

Delicious and nutritious energy bars made with peanut butter, oats, and chia seeds.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup natural peanut butter
0.5 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
0.5 cup protein powder (optional)
0.25 cup chia seeds
0.25 cup dried cranberries (or chocolate chips)
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix together until smooth and creamy.
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder (if using), chia seeds, dried cranberries, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands to make sure it’s tightly packed.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.
Store the energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.

Keyword energy bars, healthy, snack