Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars

These Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars are crunchy, chewy, and perfectly balanced with energizing ingredients, but with the satisfaction of a dessert.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter - no added salt, oil or sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/3 cup applesauce

zest from one orange, optional

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup non-dairy mini chocolate chips - I prefer the Enjoy brand

1/2 cup raw pepitas

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup flaxseed meal

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick cupcake pan.

2. In a large bowl combine the oatmeal, pepitas, sunflower seeds, walnuts, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.

3. In a small bowl combine peanut butter, maple syrup, mashed banana, applesauce, orange zest-if using, and vanilla extract. Stir peanut butter mixture into the oatmeal mixture, making sure it’s combined well.

4. Using a 1/4 cup measure cup or ice cream scoop, make individual-shaped bars and place onto prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 25 minutes, until edges are browned and a bit crispy. Enjoy while they’re warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container. They can also be frozen to enjoy later.

Variations:

• Swap out the chocolate chips for raisins, chopped dates or figs.