Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

The most indulgent tasting treat, but totally healthy, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a whole family snack that makes everyone happy. Sweet chocolate, plenty of healthy oatmeal, flaxseed and peanut butter come together in these bars that taste almost like a candy bar.

Oatmeal Bar Ingredients

• Creamy Peanut Butter — or almond butter, sunflower butter, or your favorite.
  
• Maple Syrup — such a delicious and healthier way to sweeten this oatmeal bar

• Oatmeal — instant or rolled oats will work. Be sure to get gluten free oats to make recipe gluten free.
  
• Flaxseed meal — gives this healthy bar a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
  
• Vanilla Extract — boost that flavor!

Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate Chips — feel free to use low sugar and dairy free chips to keep this bar extra healthy.

• Peanut Butter — a little more in the topping makes it smooth and carries the butter-y flavor all the way through.
  
• Coconut Oil — adds shine and helps harden chocolate.

Tell me all about these oatmeal bars

• Flavor – Very sweet, like a candy bar (but don't worry, it's pretty healthy!). I like to top it off with kosher salt to offset the sweetness with a bit of saltiness.

• Texture – The bar has a satisfying chew and the oatmeal gives it a delightfully slight crunch. The chocolate topping is smooth and melts in your mouth. So yum!

• Time – About 15 minutes to make the bars and topping and put together. Then chill in the freezer for 45 minutes or in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

• Difficulty – Very low. A simple mix, press, microwave and pour. Chill and done!

How to store oatmeal bars

The best way to store oatmeal bars is in the refrigerator. Cut into individual size slices and place back in the 8x8 or 9x9 pan with the parchment paper. Cover with foil or beeswax wrap and eat while cooled. These will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to make peanut butter oat bars

• Line a 9x9 baking dish with unbleached parchment paper. Set aside.
  
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and maple syrup. Microwave in 20 second intervals until mixture is smooth.

• Add vanilla extract, flaxseed meal and oats. Stir until evenly mixed.
  
• Press mixture evenly into dish using a rubber spatula (or your fingers). Place dish into refrigerator to get the cooling process started.

• In a small bowl or measuring glass, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and coconut oil. Melt in 20 second intervals until smooth.
  
• Pour chocolate on top of oatmeal mixture and spread evenly with the back of a spoon.
  
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into even bars and enjoy!

Recipe modifications

If you're out of flaxseed, you can make these without, or feel free to add chia seeds or other protein powder to increase the health benefits.

To cut down even more on the sugar content, cut the chocolate topping in half and make a thin coat. If you make it this way first, no one will know the difference! Personally, I like it with lots of chocolate on top, but then it's a bit more indulgent.

How to make these bars gluten free

Thankfully, these bars are almost completely gluten free without any modifications. The only ingredient that can contain gluten is the oats. So if you're gluten intolerant, please be sure to grab the gluten free oats.

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