This was sort of an accidental recipe. I hadn’t intended to make a snack bar, but after toying with a few peanut butter dessert recipes, I found this to be a more practical, healthier option that can be eaten for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Don’t get me wrong, I love peanut butter desserts, but in an effort to get (and stay) fit for my upcoming nuptials, I’ve been focusing less on the sweets and more on tasty, healthy options packed with nutrients.
Peanut butter is fattening. No joke. But it’s loaded with protein, fiber and sustains me throughout the day. As many of you know, I’m not big on breakfast, but I also don’t enjoy listening to the sound of my tummy wail and hiss until lunchtime comes around. So I usually force a little something down on my way out the door. This is actually perfect for me, because I can grab it and go and it’s tasty, filling and nutritious.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy or both!)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup agave
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup dried cherries (sweetened) (or any fruit you like- raisins, etc)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a sauce pan on low heat, melt the peanut butter, coconut oil, agave and cinnamon.
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. The mixture should be a tad crumbly and sticky, but if it’s too dry, add a splash of water to thin it out a bit.
Then, firmly press the peanut butter mix into a greased (8×8) baking dish.
Bake for for about 12 minutes. Cut into bars after it .
The bars are dense and a tad crumbly, but they hold together well and are great to carry to the office or take on a workout.
The sweetness of the fruit and the of the oats are reminiscent of a granola bar, but much more filling. Hope you enjoy!
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{ 20 comments }
These look so good! I love peanut butter, oats and dried fruit. I will definitely try this recipe.
Thank you, Linda! I hope you like it!
These bars sound really good. I love peanut butter, a little too much if we’re being honest.
I love the idea of adding the dried cherries. That would be sooo good!
LOL! I’m also crazy for peanut butter! YUM!
I absolutely LOVE this idea! I have definitely become a breakfast person, but am always on the lookout for a change up from the usual cement-like bowl of oats. Thanks for sharing this!
I completely understand. I get really tired of eating oatmeal, really fast. Hope you’ll give this recipe a try!
Mmm! Yum! I’ve been needing a new granola bar for breakfast lately! I love that this one has whole wheat flour and agave! Thanks for sharing
You are most welcome! Hope you like it!
These look like the perfect snack! Can’t get much more filling and delicious than oats and peanut butter.
Thanks, Rachel! They really are a terrific, tasty snack.
The flowing agave photo is definitely the money shot. *Drool!* Those bars look so delicious, and I love the ingredient list!
Thank you, Laura! I am a big fan of that photo as well.
Those do look really good and filling. Love the dried fruit and pb combo.
Thanks, Tina! These are great high energy snacks.
These look terrific!
Thanks, Lauren!
WOw beautiful pics! We would love it if you submitted some to our photo site! http://www.healthfreakfood.com
Thanks ladies! Will do!
Peanut butter and oats are two of my fave foods so these sound amazing
. Grab and go breakfasts are super key during the week!
Thanks, Beth! I totally agree!