Looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying snack? These Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars are perfect for you! Packed with protein and healthy fats, these bars are a fantastic treat for peanut butter lovers. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re craving something sweet, need a post-workout snack, or just want a tasty bite, these peanut butter bars are your go-to option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Steps
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Base:
Start by combining the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until it becomes soft and easy to stir. You can also use a stovetop on low heat if you prefer. Once softened, mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
2. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped peanuts, chia seeds, and shredded coconut. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well-coated. The mixture should be sticky but manageable. If you want to add a chocolate twist, stir in the dark chocolate chips now.
3. Form and Chill the Bars:
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure the layer is even and compact. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
4. Cut and Serve:
Once the bars are fully chilled and set, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into 12-16 bars, depending on your preferred size. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Tips for Variation:
- Almond Butter Twist: Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter for a different nutty flavor. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and provide a slightly sweeter taste.
- Add Some Crunch: Mix in 1/4 cup of rice cereal or crushed pretzels for an extra crunch in every bite.
- Coconut Bliss: For a tropical touch, add 1/2 cup of dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots along with the shredded coconut.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the mixture for an added protein boost. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work best.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars before chilling for a decadent finish.
- No Oats: Replace the oats with crushed graham crackers or almond flour for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free maple syrup or honey alternatives to reduce the sugar content without compromising on taste.
Macros
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different nut butter?
- Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- How do I store these peanut butter bars?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to a month.
- Can I make these bars vegan?
- Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the bars vegan. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if you’re adding them.
- What can I use if I don’t have oats?
- You can replace oats with crushed graham crackers, almond flour, or even puffed rice cereal for a different texture and flavor.
- Are these bars gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars are gluten-free. Double-check any add-ins like chocolate chips to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe: A Nutty Delight for Any Occasion
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter creamy or chunky
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ¼ cup chia seeds optional
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips optional
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Base:
- Combine peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until soft and easy to stir.
Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped peanuts, chia seeds, and shredded coconut.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well-coated.
- Optionally, stir in dark chocolate chips.
Form and Chill the Bars:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly and evenly.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled and set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper.
- Slice into 12-16 bars on a cutting board.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.