Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars are a perfect snack for anyone craving a sweet, satisfying treat without the guilt. Packed with wholesome oats, natural peanut butter, and optional chocolate or nuts, they offer a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

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
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Add chocolate chunks or chopped nuts if desired.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, forming a thick batter.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to form an even layer.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and let them cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or smooth for a creamier bar.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
• Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let refrigerated or frozen bars come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a softer, less chewy texture compared to rolled oats.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these bars can be gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

These Healthy Peanut Butter Chunk Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. With optional chocolate chunks and nuts, these bars offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them ideal for a quick breakfast or energizing snack.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: 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 for easy removal of the bars.
2. 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 well integrated.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. If using, add the chocolate chunks or chopped nuts to this mixture.
4. Form the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a thick, cohesive batter.
5. Press into pan: Transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly to create a solid layer.
6. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the bars are set and cooked through.
7. Cool and slice: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, lift the cooled bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares to maintain their shape.

Notes

• For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the nuts.
• You can customize the bars by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries instead of chocolate or nuts.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Pressing the batter firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together better after baking.

Keywords: peanut butter oatmeal bars, healthy snack bars, homemade energy bars, gluten free snack, peanut butter dessert