Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars

Peanut Butter is arguably my favorite food. I eat it as part of my afternoon snack. Every. Single. Day.

Most of the time, it entails 1-2 tablespoon of peanut butter melted in the microwave for 30 seconds, and then a banana sliced up and stirred into it. (If you haven't tried that- I strongly encourage it!)

But, sometimes I want a peanut butter snack that doesn't require a microwave, or slicing a banana for that matter...

And these Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars are it. (These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a close second though- they taste like a candy bar!)

They are simple to make and can be stored in the freezer for months, so you can always have some on hand for a quick snack (or treat- they're that tasty!).

Plus they are easily packable so they are a perfect snack for when you're on the go. Or if you're looking for a treat, these Oat Flour Peanut Butter Cookies also pack up nicely!

The Ingredients

• Quick Oats- Using quick oats helps to bind the bars. You can substitute 1 and ¾ cups large flake oats, pulsed in a blender 3-5 times.
• Crisp Brown Rice Cereal- Provides the crunch in these Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars.
• Ground Flaxseed- If you don't have any on hand, feel free to use additional quick oats.
• Chia Seeds- These can be left out if needed.
• Add ins- Add whatever you have in your pantry that you like- chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, etc. Or use an additional ½ cup of crisp rice cereal.
• Peanut Butter- You will need 1 and ⅛ cups (1 cup plus 2 tbsp) of smooth peanut butter. I typically use natural style peanut butter but shelf stable peanut butter would work as well.
• Coconut Oil- You need an oil that is solid at room temperature or these bars will be melty and fall apart easily. It might work to substitute butter but I haven't tried it.
• Maple Syrup- Honey, agave or brown rice syrup also work.
• Fine Sea Salt- I usually use ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt as I'm a fan of the sweet and salty combo. That said, if you prefer a less salty bar, use ¼ teaspoon or leave it out completely.

The Method

1. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

2. Mix wet ingredients. In a microwave safe bowl, melt together peanut butter and coconut oil. Stir in maple syrup and salt until well combined.

3. Combine. Pour peanut butter mixture into dry ingredients and stir to combine.

4. Freeze. Press firmly into a 9x9 pan and place pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. (TIP: wet your hands to push down on the mixture so that it doesn't stick to your fingers)

5. Slice and Enjoy! Remove bars from the freezer and lift from the pan using the overhang of the silicone liner or parchment paper. Place on a cookie sheet and use a sharp knife to cut into desired size of bars.

Storage

To Store: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from the freezer or allow to come to room temperature. Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days as well but will hold their shape (and crunch!) best if chilled. (These No Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies hold together well at room temperature though.)

Make it Your Own

• Crunchy Peanut Butter Energy Balls- Scoop out 1-2 tablespoon of mixture, roll into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes and then move into a container. Be sure to lightly wet your hands as you go so that it doesn't stick to you.
• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Crunch Energy Balls- Make the mixture into energy balls as described above and freeze. Melt baking chocolate or chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second bursts. Dip frozen balls in melted chocolate and return to baking sheet. Freeze for an additional 15 minutes until chocolate is firm.

Dietary Notes

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If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:

• Dairy Free
• Gluten Free
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like these other packable snacks!

• Quinoa Nut Snack Bars
• Eatmore Bars
• Honey Spice Zucchini Muffins
• Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

More Healthy Snacks!