Oatmeal Energy Bars

These bars were something of a fail, but definitely one worth sharing.

I love granola bars, prepackaged snack—basically anything from the grocery store that calls itself healthy and has too much sugar in it. They’re always delicious and the right portion but usually overpriced. Why not make your own?

Well, these taste much fresher than your typical grocery store splurge and that’s their only flaw. They’re somewhere between a chewy brownie and a granola bar which is a texture that takes some getting used to. Besides that the ingredients are simple and wholesome and full of fiber.

While the chocolate definitely makes this look like a dessert, it’s not that sweet and the texture is more chewy than cakey. It’s a great power snack or something to pack in a lunchbox that’s a little healthier than other desserts.

Oatmeal Energy Bars

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 16 squares):

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour(whole grain or gluten-free are good substitutes)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup peanut butter, separated
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl mix together the flour and the oats.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 of cup peanut butter, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, egg, and water until smooth.
4. Mix together the dry and wet ingredients until they form a batter.
5. Lightly oil an 8 x 8 pan and pour the batter in in an even level.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the center has set.
7. Melt the chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter together and mix until they make a ganache.
8. Pour the chocolate on top of the baked good and spread it out evenly.
9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour until the chocolate has set.
10. Slice into squares before serving.