Snack better and save money with these Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Granola Bars! Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
I love snacking. I also love to save money! I’ve been buying a bar from the grocery store a few times a week to hold me over between my workout and dinner. I got to thinking that it would be way cheaper to make a whole batch myself instead of spending almost $2 on each bar!
So I decided to start experimenting. What you see here is my first creation! I wanted it to be low in sugar, and filled with ingredients that would replenish my body after a workout. Oats and peanut butter were a great combo!
Lately I’ve been think about the lifestyle changes I’ve made over the past couple of years, especially when it comes to my eating habits. One of the hardest things to change was my snacking habits!
I’ve learned that I have to be prepared and have healthy snacks in the house (and bring them with wherever I go). Because when I’m hungry, I will eat whatever I have around me. Whether or not it’s good for me!
These bars are the perfect solution because they are quick and easy to make. They are no-bake, so you can mix them up and throw them in the fridge. Simple!
I’m excited to mix up this recipe next time and try a new flavor. What do you think I should try? I’m thinking something with dried fruit would be delicious!
Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dates
- 2 cups peanut butter, I used crunchy, but any will work
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp flax seeds
- 1 1/2 cups oats, uncooked
- 3 oz dark chocolate, I used a bar, but chips will work, too
Instructions
- Put the dates, peanut butter, honey and flax seeds in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Place the mixture in a large bowl and add the oats. Mix until completely combined (you might have to use your hands to do this). This mixture should be pretty gooey, so the bars stay together nicely. If it seems too dry, add a little extra honey.
- Line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Dump the mixture into the pan and press into the pan so it is even.
- Melt the dark chocolate. Drizzle on top of the bars.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice into bars. Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator.
What is your favorite healthy snack?
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says
I LOVE chocolate and peanut butter and I am ALL over some granola bars. Thanks for another great recipe, Jenna!
Jenna Brussee says
Isn’t it the best combo? This recipe is so simple to make, too.
Sara says
This looks amazing and it looks really simple! I can’t wait to try it sometime soon!
Jenna Brussee says
They are SO simple to make. And you could easily customize them to create a whole new flavor!
Christie says
Man, these look so good! Thanks for sharing at Bloggers Brags this week. I’m pinning it to our group board on Pinterest. Have a great week!
Jenna Brussee says
Thanks for stopping by Christie! You will love this healthy snack.
Amanda Elizabeth says
I love the simplicity of the ingredients and they look so good!
Jenna Brussee says
It’s just so easy! The fewer ingredients the better when it comes to making healthy, simple snacks.
Anna @ The Beauty Section says
Yum these look great! I love dark chocolate and especially peanut butter!! 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
It’s my favorite combo! Have you ever tried the dark chocolate and pb cups from Trader Joes? OMG!!!!
Cristina says
Yum! These look delicious! I’m going to have to start jumping on the ‘dates as sweeteners’ trend, because every recipe I see with them looks incredible! And this seems so simple! Love it.
Jenna Brussee says
I just started using them as a sweetener and they are great! I’m not big on eating them plain but I don’t mind the taste mixed into recipe like this.
Miranda @ Miranda Writes says
Love that these are no bake! I hate turning the oven on during the heat of summer. These would be perfect for a nice summer snack! =)
Jenna Brussee says
Me too! It makes this recipe so much easier, too.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
Oooh! You know I love making granola bars! These look delicious! Love the flax seeds!
Jenna Brussee says
I still need to try your granola bar recipes! Flax seeds are one of my favorite add-ins for healthy snacks. I bought a big bag at Trader Joe’s so I’ve been trying to find ways to use them.
Erica says
I don’t think these could look any more delicious! The fact that they’re no bake is HUGE for me, because I hate having to heat up our whole tiny apartment with the oven being on in the summer. But dark chocolate and peanut butter together? One of my all-time favorite combos!
cominguprosestheblog.com
Jenna Brussee says
They are a great summer snack! So easy to make and yummy, too.
Sweet Tidy says
It looks Yummy and tasty.
Sweet
Jenna Brussee says
Thanks! I’m still snacking on them. They are so good!
Jenna Brussee says
Thanks Jebbica! I’ll have to check out your party.
Rebecca says
How can you go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate !! Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Pretty Pintastic.
Jenna Brussee says
It’s my favorite combo! Thanks for stopping by.
Winnie says
I LOVEEEEEEEEE these bars!! I think making granola at home is fun, and it’s much better as you add your favorite ingredients 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
Yes! These were a lot of fun to make. I’m excited to be able to try new variations in the future.