Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Having snacks at home to grab on the go are a must, especially in busy seasons of life. Unfortunately, a lot of the go to snacks that are available to us aren't that healthy. Even in some of the best options, we can't control every ingredient that is included. The best solution? Make your own snacks! It is a bit more effort, but they are often tastier, cheaper and healthier.

These chocolate peanut butter granola bars are a great snack to keep in your fridge when you're on the go. They have a higher proportion of protein than a traditional granola bar which will help keep your blood sugar more balanced.

Be sure to keep in mind the quality of ingredients that you are using! While this recipe is a lot healthier than the pre-packaged granola bars lining grocery store shelves, using the highest quality ingredients you have access to will only increase the health factor of these granola bars. For example, in my recipe I'm using organic sprouted rolled oats, raw honey, high quality protein powder, organic coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts. You may not be able to use all of the same quality of ingredients, but I encourage you to use the best versions of these ingredients that you can. Even the small changes you can make in your diet can make a difference in the long run.

I hope you enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter in these super easy to make chewy granola bars. Feel free to add in different ingredients to make it your own like raisins or coconut flakes!

Ingredients

- 2 cups rolled oats

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I have used peanuts and macadamia nuts in this recipe)

- 2 Tbsp coconut oil

- 1/2 cup peanut butter

- 1/2 cup honey

- 1/4 cup maple syrup

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder

- 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Method

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9x9 dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Start by spreading the oats and chopped nuts on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until slightly brown.

In a saucepan, melt the coconut oil on medium heat. Once melted, add the honey, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until melted together completely. Next, add the protein powder and whisk to combine. Continue to whisk this mixture until it comes to a boil and then remove from heat. Next, add the oats and chopped nuts to the saucepan and combine with a spatula or wooden spoon. Pour into the 9x9 dish lined with parchment and use the back of a spoon to smooth them out. Press the chocolate chips into the warm granola bars and place them in the fridge for about 60 minutes before cutting into squares or bars.