Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Energizing Snack

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 2 cups honey or maple syrup
• 1 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 4 teaspoon salt
• 1 2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
• 1 2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries or raisins)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and brown sugar, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry oat mixture, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the oats are coated evenly.
6. Fold in the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruits, mixing well to distribute throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly in an even layer with the back of a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars as desired and enjoy!