Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These are delicious! Even better- they are preservative free!

We are on Day 6 of healthy eating for the week. I found this recipe on Pinterest ( my new obsession)  originally posted on How Sweet Eats. After seeing how easy it is to make your own granola bars, I couldn't help but think," why have I been spending $4 for a box of eight granola bars?"



 I had everything you need for this recipe on hand so in my mind these little morsels of delight cost me nothing! Hooray! I made these when I got home from spinning and it took about 10 minutes to put together before baking. You can add whatever you want to these. I added chopped almonds, chunky peanut butter and chocolate chips. This recipe is also great if you have kids because you can make a whole batch for each child( plus they get to pick their own toppings and can help make them.) Honestly though, this recipe cannot be any easier so make a batch today!


Cooks take Note: Instead of the brown rice syrup ( I don't even know what that is) I used clover honey. It was delicious. Also when you are pouring the honey and peanut butter into measuring cups, spray the cups with cooking spray first. It comes out so easily. I even sprayed my hands with cooing spray when mixing so they honey didn't stick to my hands. 

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars

makes 12-16 granola squares

4 cups rolled oats

2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped

3/4 cup natural peanut butter, melted

1/2 cup brown rice syrup (or honey)

Directions

Preheat over to 350.

In a large bowl, combine oats, chia seeds and peanuts. Add brown rice syrup (or honey) and mix to combine. Add melted peanut butter and mix until moistened. This works as a perfect, simple granola bar, but you can also throw in any add-ins at this time. Fold them into the dough. You may need to get in there with your hands and work the granola dough! If dough is still too dry (this can depend on your ingredients) add more peanut butter or syrup (or honey) 1 tablespoon at a time until moistened.

Press dough in a greased (non-stick spray) 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.

Note from How Sweet Eats: These would also work as a great no-bake granola bar, but I liked how they came together and the chocolate chips melted as they got warm. If you want to make no-bakes, simply press the dough into the pan and refrigerate for 60 minutes.