Close your eyes and think of the most delicious flavor combination out there. I know that you’re thinking
peanut butter and chocolate and if you’re not, you’ll still love this recipe. I first made these healthy oatmeal bars a few years ago after I got sick of paying too much money for store-bought nutrition bars
with long lists of unrecognizable ingredients. Each soft bite is loaded with peanut butter, oats, raisins,
and chocolate chips. They’re a snap to make and give any store-bought snack bar a run for its money!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (265 g), plus 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter, divided
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (80 g) old-fashioned oats
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ¾ cup (135 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (or regular size)
- ½ cup (70 g) raisins
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8in baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the brown sugar and 1 cup of peanut butter on medium speed until light in color and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla, scraping down the sides as needed.
- On low speed, add the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. The dough will be very thick and clumpy. Slowly add the milk in a steady stream, mixing until a dough forms. With a large spoon or rubber spatula, fold in ½ cup chocolate chips and raisins.
- Press the dough lightly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 17–20 minutes until the bars are lightly golden on top. Allow to cool completely. Lift the foil out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and ¼ cup chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and drizzle over each bar. The bars will remain fresh stored, covered, at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
