Holly's Get Me Through This Day Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bars
There are some days when you want a snack that's sweet and salty, but not something from a vending machine. I created this snack when I was having a tough time at the office. Taking a bit of this snack was a delight and a treat. It was a moment to myself that allowed me to eat something good for me (yes, with a bit of sweetness) as well as give me some much needed energy when I felt I was dragging.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups whole oats not quick oats, but they will do in a pinch
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 cup flax seeds
- ½ to ⅓ cup raisins
- ½ to ⅓ cup cranraisins or double up on the raisins
Sauce
- ⅔ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup cacao powder Cocoa powder will work in a pinch
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cinnamon Yes that much!!
- 2 tbsp vanilla Yes, that much!! And if you have vanilla paste so much the better!! And if you don't know about vanilla paste, let's chat!
Instructions
- Chop pecans and almonds. I use a food processor and pulse a few times to get a chunky consistency.
- In a sauce pan, combine all the ingredients until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- In large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
- Pour syrup over dry and combine. At first, it's best to stir with a spoon or spatula. After the syrup cools a bit, use your hands to mix, remembering to scrap the bottom of the bowl and sides (the syrup quickly settles to the bottom of the bowl).
- Heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Spread mixture onto prepared pans (greased pans work best).
- Bake for 7-10 minutes.
- Cut into squares or break off into chunks.