Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Just as the creatures of the forest are busy now gathering food stores for the coming winter, we can take some time to do the same. Make-your-own energy bars are pretty chic this season, and here is a recipe that is quick, easy and delicious. (Consider making several batches and freezing them for later!)
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups quick oatmeal
Instructions
- . Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- . Combine butter and brown sugar in large mixing bowl. Microwave about 30 seconds. Stir until consistent.
- . Add peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until consistent.
- . Add raisins, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, oatmeal and lastly the egg. Knead until ingredients have an even, cookie dough-like consistency, 2 or 3 minutes.
- . Scrape dough into 9x13 baking dish. Gently press dough, evenly distributing ingredients throughout pan. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown around edges. The bars are cooked when toothpick comes away cleanly when poked into center of dish. Allow to cool.
- . Run knife along edges of dish and cut bars into sections. Refrigerate. Wrap and pop into zip-close bags for the road.