Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, combining wholesome rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Enhanced with optional chocolate chunks and nuts, these bars are perfect for an energizing breakfast or a satisfying on-the-go treat.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 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 facilitate easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. If using, add in the chocolate chunks or chips and chopped nuts to this mixture.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually fold the dry oat mixture into the wet peanut butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until you have a thick, cohesive batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish. Press the mixture down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands to ensure an even layer.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown color, indicating they are set and cooked through.
- Cool & Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the parchment paper lining, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Customize by adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- To reduce sugar content, opt for unsweetened peanut butter and use less honey or maple syrup.
- For added protein, sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds when mixing dry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 bars total)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, homemade granola bars, peanut butter oatmeal bars, easy baking, nutritious snacks