No-Bake Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

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My kids and I love having easy, tasty, nourishing snacks on hand, but sometimes we all get tired of the usual old store-bought granola and cereal bar varieties. Plus, they can get expensive! So on a freezing cold day here in Minnesota, I opened up my pantry to see what I could come up with to satisfy my peanut butter and dark chocolate craving— and please my kids’ picky taste buds— with items I already had on hand.

A little mixing, measuring, Googling, and tasting later, and I concocted a what I’d call a very delicious and very easy snack: No Bake Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. The final recipe took under ten minutes to make, and I didn’t have to run out to buy a single thing for the recipe (key when you live in subzero temperatures)!

Total bonus: my kids and husband love them too. After letting the bars harden in the fridge for a couple of hours, I cut them into individual servings and plan to wrap them in foil or use small plastic containers so we can take them on the go. The no-bake granola bars will also be nice little lunch box treats for the kids.

A few notes: This recipe is pretty flexible. I used chunky peanut butter because that’s what I typically have in my pantry, but you could certainly try any nut butter you like.

Also, I must confess: I used “old fashioned oats” because I had a huge container in the pantry. “Quick cooking oats” would probably make for a less chewy result, so play around with what you have.

Adding dried fruit would be another delicious way to change these up, or swapping the honey for maple syrup if you love that rich maple taste. They are pretty foolproof. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cup uncooked oats
• 1 1/2 cup crisped rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
• 2 TB ground flaxseed
• 2 TB bittersweet cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Dash of salt
• 6 TB coconut oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Peanut or almond butter
• Dash of almond extract (optional)

Yields: approximately 14 bars depending on the size.

Here’s what you need! I just raided my pantry for my favorite things.

Steps:

1. Line a baking pan with foil or parchment and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. I used a 7.5 x 12 inch pan for thicker bars.

 

2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, rice cereal, flaxseed, cocoa powder, almonds, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, warm up the coconut oil, honey, and peanut butter. Stir on low heat for a few minutes until melted and well combined.

4. Pour the delicious-smelling (and tasting!) melted ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Add a drop or two of almond extract if you like the taste. I was craving it!

 

5. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan, and place an additional piece of foil or parchment paper on top and press firmly.

6. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting to serve. You can freeze them to save for later too.

Yum!