How to Make Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Peanut butter granola bars are a quick, energy-packed snack.

Granola bars are closely associated with hiking, biking and other outdoor activities with good reason; they provide the energy athletes need in a conveniently small meal. While these bars sometimes receive bad raps for their high caloric content, they also provide complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and fiber to sustain athletes. Homemade peanut butter granola bars have a short ingredient list and easy process, making them a simple recipe that is tailored to meet many different dietary needs.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking spray
• 9- by13-inch pan
• Parchment paper
• Bowl
• Whisk
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 stick melted unsalted butter
• 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips
• Spatula
• Knife

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spray the pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.

3. Add egg white to the bowl and beat with the whisk until the whites are frothy. Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, honey and butter and combine until well blended. Add the oatmeal, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and stir until well-combined. Distribute the chocolate chips evenly.

4. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, and use the spatula to even it out.

5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for one hour.

6. Cut the granola into bars and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• For those looking for lower caloric options, reduce the amount of both sweeteners, or consider eliminating one of the nut or seed ingredients.

• Do not cut the granola too soon. Allowing plenty of time for the granola to cool will both add crunch and keep the bars' form.

References

• Food Network: Peanut Butter Granola Bars
• Food Network: Peanut Butter Granola Bars