Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars

A delicious snack or treat for the entire family.  Full of whole grain oats, healthy fats and delicious chocolate.  Quick and easy to make.  Make ahead to have healthy snacks on hand!

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter

1/4 cup honey

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup flaxseed

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chunks

1/2 cup chocolate candies (I love Unreal brand)

To Serve:

Finishing salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat peanut or almond butter in microwave for 30 seconds to melt.  Set aside.

Using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth.  Add peanut or almond butter and honey.  Mix to incorporate.  Add egg and vanilla extract.  Mix to incorporate.

Add oats, flaxseed, salt, baking powder.  Mix to combine.  Set aside a few chocolate candies.  Add chocolate chunks and remaining chocolate  candies.  Mix to incorporate.

Line an 8 x 8” or 7 x 10” baking dish with parchment paper.  Press mixture into baking dish.  Sprinkle extra chocolate candies over top.  Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.  Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with finishing salt.  Refrigerate for 60 minutes.  Cut into 8-10 bars.