Servings: 16 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use verified gluten-free, if needed)
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (tip: use a nut butter with a drizzly consistency to avoid bar becoming dry, substitute nut or seed butter for a peanut-free version)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (you can substitute honey)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 whole eggs (or use flax egg for vegan-friendly*)
- Optional add ins: pinch or two of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted), walnuts, pecans, almond, chia seed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Line a 9×9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper.Transfer mixture to the prepared dish or pan. Very firmly press the mixture into pan in an even layer. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips over top, pressing them into the mixture.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until center is baked through and edges are just starting to brown. Start checking at 14 minutes as all ovens are different. Remove from the oven and place pan on a cooling rack.
- Let the bars cool completely (this is important) before cutting into 16 squares or 12-14 bars with a sharp knife
Notes
Tips to make this recipe:
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Use a natural peanut butter with a drizzly consistency. If the peanut butter is more solid at room temperate, heat it slightly to achieve a thinner consistency.
- Press the granola bar mixture firmly into the pan.
- Bake until the edges are just start to turn brown and the center is slightly firm to touch.
- Allow the bars to cool COMPLETELY before cutting into bars. This is important!
- Use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut the bars. Do not drag the knife when cutting, rather press the knife into the bars.
- Cut the bars into squares.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup as honey is stickier.
*Flax egg: To make enough to replace the 2 eggs in this recipe, mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (or flaxseed meal) with 5 tablespoons water. Let set for 5-10 minutes before adding to recipe.
**For a boost of protein, add 1/2 cup of your unflavored, vanilla, or chocolate protein powder and reduce oats by a 1/2 cup.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 9 g
- (Sat Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 64 mg
- Carbohydrate: 25 g
- (Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg