I’m not big on posting recipes, mostly because I’m still a cooking novice and don’t have many great ones to share but life has been too serious lately.
Time for some chocolate peanut-butter fun and happiness!
This is a super easy recipe, the toddler loves helping when we make this. I found it in the July/August issue of Health Magazine and it quickly become a favorite treat. Between my husband, toddler and me, a big batch doesn’t last long at my house.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooking spray
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups barley flakes or rolled oats
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and peanut butter until well combined. Beat in eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Add barley flakes (or rolled oats), cranberries, peanuts, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring to combine.
3. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned and firm to the touch. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
4. In a small bowl set in a pan of simmering water, melt remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. With fork, drizzle chocolate over bars; refrigerate until set. Cut into 24 bars.
My Personal Touches
I leave out the cranberries, use less than the recommended 1/2 cup of peanuts and go a little lighter on the oats as well. Like everything else, I say experiment and see what works best for you.
As you can see, I did not go light on the chocolate on top.
Does this still count as a”drizzle”? Lol!
Yes, there was already a piece missing from the corner when this picture was taken. I’m telling you, it goes quick!
Here’s a link to the recipe on Heath.com – Chocolate Peanut-Butter Energy Bars.
Did I mention how good these are with a nice cup of coffee in the afternoon?
Hope you enjoy! What’s your favorite treat recipe?
Ok…I’m gonna have to pretend I didn’t see this….otherwise I won’t fit into any of my new clothes!
(you so know I will be trying this after the conference! ha)
Hope you have a great time in those new clothes at the conference! And these bars are amazing, I really hope you enjoy them. Thanks so much for reading Rory!