apple peanut butter granola bars
For the past week, I have been on a serious oats kick. Overnight oats, oatmeal, muesli, these apple peanut butter granola bars (obvi) — the list goes on. And I have Bob to thank for it.
Last week I headed out west to Portland, OR for the very first time not only to catch up with and meet some new blog buddies and to explore the amazing city in all its foodie heavenly wonders, but to visit Bob’s Red Mill. And of course, Bob himself (who, by the way, really does look like this in real life). The trip was fantastic and memorable in so many ways, and I already can’t wait to go back.
But I digress. Because oats. Specifically, these oats, in granola bar form with dried apples and toasted roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter and crunchy honey oat granola. All no bake, all gluten free, all easy to make, all DELICIOUS.
To be honest, until recently I’ve been steering clear of the granola bar aisle at the grocery store. Sure, in the past I have had some major love affairs with those chewy chocolate chip granola bars and every once in a while, I go on a binge of the trail mix flavored ones, but generally I try to stay away because many of them are just basically candy bars with a little bit of oats thrown in. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE candy bars — but I’d rather eat an actual candy bar, then.
But when I visited Portland and Bob and he reminded us all about the health benefits of whole grains and how we only have this one life and this one body and we should take care of it, not only did I agree in full force, but it was just the kickstart I needed to re-incorporate more whole grains back into my diet. So that’s why it’s been a lot of overnight oats, oatmeal, muesli and these granola bars for me, and I am not mad about it. My body doesn’t seem to be, either.
But let’s talk more about these bars, shall we? They are the perfect snack — filling and satisfying but in a way that makes you energized and ready to tackle the day. They’re mixed with crunchy chopped roasted peanuts that are toasted for extra flavor, as well as Bob’s gluten free honey oat granola which is so crunchy/clustery/yummy, I was tempted to eat the whole bag before these granola bars even happened (but, RESTRAINT. And the promise of these granola bars in my future, of which I’ve eaten almost half of the batch in two days. Ahem).
They’re also easily customized, so you can swap the peanuts and the peanut butter for almonds and almond butter, or switch out the dried apples for dried apricots, pears or peaches. Did I mention they’re no-bake and entirely gluten free, too? Because there’s that, in addition to the fact that they taste like a chewy granola bar version of peanut butter and jelly. So you can’t blame me for eating so many already, really.
Thank you, Bob’s Red Mill, for providing us with high quality, healthy, wholesome whole grain snacks. Thank you, Bob, for reminding us of the importance of treating our bodies right (and for wearing that bolo tie/newsboy cap all the time, because it’s just awesome). Thank you, granola bars, for being so easy to make and so easy to eat.
In fact, who’s ready for second breakfast?
PrintApple Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Honey Oat Granola
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/4 cup flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, toast peanuts 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Add to a large bowl along with granola, dried apples, flax seeds and chia seeds. Stir mixture to combine, breaking up any large clusters of granola.
- In a food processor, process dates until a smooth ball forms. Add to granola mixture along with peanut butter and honey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir mixture until well combined.
- Firmly and evenly press mixture into prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours. Cut into bars.
- Store bars covered in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Disclosure: I received compensation from Bob’s Red Mill for recipe development purposes. All opinions are my own.
I loved following along with your trip on Instagram! It looked like a great time. I haven’t tried this variety of granola from Bob’s – I love their coconut granola. Can’t wait to try these granola bars.
Rachel — Thanks! We had a blast. 🙂 And I hear amazing things about the coconut granola!
I have similar feelings about the granola bar aisle. Thanks for this healthy version. PS. When are we moving to Portland???
The trip looks like it was a blast, Stephanie! I can’t believe you met Bob himself. What a cutie!!!
SO, these are happening in my house this weekend! I’ve been struggling to get my grains in, especially being pregnant. Usually I’ll go the oatmeal route, but it’s so hot out, that I just don’t find it appealing. These look SO good, and I’m a big fan of apple in my oatmeal over any other fruit. Can’t wait!
Love everything about these granola bars! My kiddos will go crazy for them!
ohhh girl, I’d kill for one of these on my lunch right now. Such a yummy flavour!
In college I was addicted to Clif and Luna Bars but then I realized, like you, that most of them are just processed, fake-healthy foods. It’s been awhile since I’ve made homemade granola bars, so this recipe is coming at the perfect time. I love the fact that these are no bake! Well done girl! 🙂
These look great! Can’t wait to try them – we’re experimenting with making different types of bars now….love the idea of incorporating apple, yum!
Loved following along via Snapchat and Instagram! It sounded like such a fantastic trip! And these granola bars look fantastic. I totally agree, most granola bars from the store are just disguised candy bars, but when Bob’s Red Mill is involved, it’s bound to be good for you!
These look delicious and perfect for grabbing on the go!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Oats are totally my jam – i’m pretty sure everyone is pretty sick of me trying to shoehorn oats into all sorts of things! these look so great – love that they use dates and honey 🙂
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These look heavenly. I’m currently obsessing over all things apple (because apples=fall=crisp air=pretty leaves=happiest time of the year). Definitely going to whip these up sometime in the near future! 😀
will try as we grow peanuts