Are you tired of bland, boring energy bars that taste like cardboard? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking game with these decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars that are not just a treat, but a powerhouse of nutrition! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey bar packed with wholesome ingredients that will fuel your body and tantalize your taste buds - all in just 35 minutes of preparation time. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who just loves delicious, healthy snacks, these homemade energy bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey together for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a consistent, sticky dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or clean hands to press down firmly and create an even, compact layer.
- Refrigerate the pan for 20-25 minutes to allow the bars to set and become firm.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 10 equal rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
- Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to create compact bars that hold together well.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more honey; if too wet, sprinkle in some extra oats.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor variations.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, precise edges.
- These bars can be frozen for up to a month, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
