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To make peanut butter oatmeal energy bars, you need simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) - 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) - Pinch of salt You can adjust these ingredients to match your taste. Each ingredient adds something special. For example, rolled oats provide fiber and energy. Natural peanut butter gives healthy fats and protein. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and binds everything together. Mashed banana keeps the bars moist and adds flavor. If you like some crunch or extra sweetness, consider the optional mix-ins. Dark chocolate chips add a rich taste, while nuts give a nice bite. Dried fruit brings a chewy texture. Remember, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Feel free to play around with these ingredients. The fun is in making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. 2. Mixing the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 cup of mashed ripe banana, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until it is well mixed and sticky. 3. Incorporating optional ingredients: If you want, add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), and 1/4 cup of dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots). Mix these in well, making sure everything is evenly spread throughout. 4. Transferring mixture and pressing it down: Pour the mixture into your lined baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Make sure it is even all around. 5. Baking time and checking for doneness: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. Following these steps will help you create tasty peanut butter oatmeal energy bars. These bars are easy to make and full of flavor! To achieve the right texture for your energy bars, focus on the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Use enough peanut butter and banana to keep the bars moist. If your mix feels too dry, add a splash of water or more mashed banana. You want a sticky yet firm mix that holds together. For dietary needs, you can make easy substitutions. If you're allergic to nuts, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup. If you want gluten-free bars, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Adjust the sweetener to your taste, too. For serving suggestions, presentation matters. Stack the bars on a pretty plate or wrap them in parchment for a snack on the go. To make them even more appealing, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or nuts on top. This small touch adds a pop of color and texture. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: They add natural sweetness and moisture to your bars, enhancing the flavor and texture. Chill Before Cutting: After cooling, refrigerate the bars for a bit before cutting; this helps them hold their shape better. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize with different nuts, seeds, or spices like cinnamon to suit your taste. Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors in your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars. Here are some fun ideas: - Nut butter alternatives: Try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Each nut butter brings a unique taste and texture. Almond butter adds a slight sweetness, while cashew offers a creamy finish. - Adding spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. Cinnamon gives warmth, while nutmeg adds a hint of spice. Just a pinch can make your bars more exciting. - Other mix-in ideas: Get creative with seeds like chia or flax. You can also toss in coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Dried fruits, like apricots and cranberries, also add sweetness and chewiness. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Each variation makes the bars your own! To keep your peanut butter oatmeal energy bars fresh, follow these tips: - Room temperature storage: You can store these bars at room temperature for up to one week. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat. This way, they stay tasty and chewy. - Refrigeration tips for freshness: For longer life, refrigerate your energy bars. They can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in a sealed container. This keeps them moist and prevents drying out. - Freezing energy bars for longer shelf life: If you want to save some for later, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw for a few minutes. Enjoy them anytime! How long do these energy bars last? These energy bars last about one week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them. They stay good for about three months in the freezer. Can I make them vegan? Yes, you can make these bars vegan easily. Just replace honey with maple syrup. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’re all set! What are the calorie counts for one bar? Each bar has around 150-200 calories, depending on the mix-ins you choose. If you add more nuts or chocolate chips, the calorie count will go up. Can I skip the banana, and will it affect the recipe? You can skip the banana, but it helps bind the bars. If you leave it out, add more peanut butter or a bit of applesauce. This keeps the bars moist and tasty. In this post, I shared how to make delicious energy bars using simple ingredients. We covered necessary items like rolled oats and peanut butter, as well as steps for preparation and baking. I offered tips to customize your bars and shared storage advice. Remember, these bars are easy to make and full of nutrition. You can try different flavors and ingredients to find what you love. Enjoy creating your energy bars, and make them your own!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

Delicious and nutritious energy bars made with oats, peanut butter, and a variety of mix-ins.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup mashed ripe banana
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
  • 0.25 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
  • 1 pinch salt

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 later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
  • Add the dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Fold these ingredients into the oat mixture until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly into an even layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish.
  • Use the parchment overhang to lift the energy bars out of the dish and place on a cutting board. Cut into bars of your desired size.

Notes

Arrange the bars in a stack on a decorative plate or wrap them individually in parchment paper for easy snacking on-the-go.
Keyword energy bars, oatmeal, peanut butter, snack