These energy bars are all over Pinterest! When my sister made these for the first time, they instantly became our favorite. The best part is that they satisfy our sweet tooth while getting some health benefits from the oats, flaxseed meal and chia seeds. They are great for a quick breakfast when you're on-the-go rushing out that door. You can make these into small energy balls for a little afternoon pick-me-up when you're dragging your feet at work waiting for that clock to strike 5. Basically, this energy bars/balls situation is the answer to everything. I mean, who doesn't want an excuse to eat chocolate? This recipe is a healthier option to that carb loaded, fat filled, sugar coated chocolate bar.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup smooth, unsalted, reduced-fat peanut butter
Steps
- In a non-stick pan, toast the oats on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes. Mixing it frequently to prevent burning. You can lower the heat of you think the oats are on the verge of getting burnt. Transfer the oats to a large mixing bowl and cool before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Once the oats have cooled down, add the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, flaxseed meal, chia seeds and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Add vanilla extract, honey and peanut butter to the dry ingredients and mix well. You can either use a spatula or your hands.
- In an 8x8 baking dish, line parchment paper each way (shown in the picture). Transfer the gooey mixture to the baking dish and press down evenly. Cover with the parchment paper hanging outside the baking dish and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- With a sharp knife, cut the giant bar into for equal size squares and then cut each square in half. Here's a cost saving tip, use the same parchment paper from the baking tray to wrap the energy bars. I held the parchment paper together with washi tape but you could use colorful twine if you'd like. If you decide to make small energy balls instead, then scoop out about one heaping tbsp of the mixture and roll them into a smooth ball.
- Refrigerate the bars and enjoy them on the go!
Prep time about 20 minutes | Makes 8 bars or 16 balls
Nutrition facts per bar 160 calories | 6 g protein | 3 g fiber
