Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe
Rich with cocoa and naturally sweet from dates, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Bars are the kind of snack you can make in minutes and enjoy for days.
Servings: 16 granola bars
Calories: 229kcal
Ingredients
- 14 Medjool dates pitted (fresh, soft and sticky)
- 8 tbsp chocolate peanut butter OR other chocolate nut butters
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes toasted, divided
- 1 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats divided
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder +5 tbsp water, mixed
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
- 3/4 cup crispy rice cereal white or brown
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate covered sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan or an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Pulse the dates in a food processor until a paste forms. Add the chocolate almond or peanut butter, flaxseed, ¼ cup of toasted coconut, ½ cup of oats, cocoa mixture, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse until combined. It should look like a thick brownie batter or cookie dough.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a large mixing bowl and fold in the remaining coconut and oats, along with the rice cereal and 3 tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Remove from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 rectangular bars or 16 squares.
Notes
-Swap the chocolate chips for extra nuts, dried fruit, or seeds if you like.
- To make these gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, use alternatives that fit your needs. I’ve listed general ingredients, but feel free to use your favorites.
STORE Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars in a zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper, place in a freezer-safe container, and FREEZE for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. You can warm them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 16serving | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
