These healthy no-bake peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars are the best! They're loaded with wholesome ingredients and taste absolutely amazing! Kid-friendly & adult-friendly :)
2cupold-fashioned rolled oatspulsed in a food processor for about 6 seconds
1cupcrispy rice cerealbrown or white
1/3cupsliced almonds
2tbspgolden flaxseed mealoptional
1tspground cinnamon
3/4tspsalt
3/4cupmini semi-sweet chocolate chipsdivided
Instructions
Line a 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, set aside. NOTE: I prefer criss-crossing them for easy removal.
In a medium size microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave on medium power (I did 5) for 1 minute, then stir and repeat. Remove from the microwave, add the vanilla whisk vigorously until smooth. Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, almonds, flaxseed meal, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.
Pour the cooled peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a large spatula, fold the ingredients together until no dry spots remain, then pour in all but 1 tablespoon of the chocolate chips. NOTE: it's ok if the chocolate chips melt a little bit, it adds more flavor to the bars! Mix until combined, then pour into the prepared pan. Press firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours. Remove from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 rectangular bars or 12 squares. Store in a ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
-You can easily swap out the chocolate chips for more nuts, dried fruit or seeds. -Almond butter is a great alternative to peanut butter and works really well in this recipe.