I've recently become a huge fan of peanut butter, and have been craving some sort of peanut butter snack. I've also been trying out some healthier recipes lately, and found these Healthy Peanut Butter Oat Bars by Beaming Baker. The recipe has been altered slightly, but trust me, it's still just as delicious! These bars are gluten-free, made with only 4 ingredients, and no-bake! Plus, they can easily be made vegan. They're also thick, chewy, and a perfect snack when you're on the go. Oh, and did I mention that there's a chocolate topping?
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
1 cup unsalted, natural creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chocolate chips (can sub for vegan chocolate chips)
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted, natural creamy peanut butter
Directions:
For the Bars:
1) Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or wax paper and set aside. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and honey until combined. Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave, until the mixture is warm and thick. Whisk in between each increment (I did two).
3) Using a wooden spoon, fold in the oats.
4) Press the oat mixture into the prepared pan and smooth with a rubber spatula or spoon until tightly packed. Set aside.
For the Topping:
1) In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 20-second increments in the microwave. Stir in between each increment until smooth (I did two).
2) Pour the mixture over the bars and use a rubber spatula or spoon to spread until smooth.
3) Freeze for 1 hour, until firm, then remove from the freezer and cut into bars. These can be stored in the fridge the first day you make them and an air tight container after that.