Chocolate and Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These chocolate and peanut butter granola bars are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. They're made with a combination of oats, chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, and maple syrup, and they're baked until golden brown. The bars are chewy and satisfying, and they're a great source of energy.

I've been making these granola bars for years, and they're always a hit with my family and friends. I first started making them when I was looking for a healthy and portable breakfast option. I experimented with different ingredients and proportions until I came up with this recipe, which is the perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats. These bars are also a great way to use up leftover chocolate and peanut butter. I often make a batch when I have a few extra pieces of chocolate or a half-empty jar of peanut butter in the fridge.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, oats, chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges are slightly golden brown.
5. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Why It Works

• The combination of oats, chocolate, peanuts, and peanut butter provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
• The maple syrup and honey add sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• The vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
• The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the bars.