Kids in the Kitchen: Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Snacks for Everyone!

We had an awesome request from our friend Roberta and her kids! They wanted to learn how to make some granola bars using chocolate chips. As your resident chocoholic, I was more than happy to share my easy and delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars recipe.

This is super simple recipe and so great for letting the kiddos help make. All you need in one bowl, a few ingredients, and some help from the kids to do the stirring.

Plus, who doesn't love a good snack?!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Is there anything better than the combo of peanut butter and chocolate?! I think not! This is definitely a flavor combo that kids and kids-at-heart will love.

What I love about this recipe is that while it may taste decadent, there is actually a lot of healthy ingredients being used.

First, peanut butter! There are so many different kinds of peanut butter on the market now. I try to opt for one that doesn't contain any sugar, since I try to be mindful about how much sugar we are eating as a family. But feel free to use what you have in your house. If you don't like peanut butter, try almond butter or a seed butter alternative like tahini.

I love using honey to sweeten this recipe. Local honey can be helpful for people with allergies, so I like to opt for a local wildflower honey. You could also use agave syrup, brown rice syrup or even maple syrup. Once again, use what you have. You just need a liquid sweetener for this recipe.

Oats are a staple in granola bar recipes. Why? Because they are a fantastic source of complex carbs to keep you fueled up. Plus, I love they chewy texture they add to this granola bar recipe.

Now for the chocolate! I love using Lily's Chocolate Chips because they are sweetened with stevia and they use a portion of their proceeds to help kids with cancer. Gotta love a company that gives back!

*Note that this is an affiliate link. This means that I may receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase through this link, at no expense to you. Thanks in advance for supporting my business!*

Last but not least, I have added a secret ingredient to this recipe... protein powder! I love adding some extra protein into almost any recipe, so that we can ensure our families are having lots of nutrition to make sure they feel full, energize their bodies and make sure their cells are functioning properly. Most people are not getting enough protein, and feel hungry, so they try to compensate with adding more refined carbs. So to stop this from happening, I am a huge advocate for more protein. I like this protein powder.

If you don't have protein powder, no problem! You could use a little bit more oats or even some flour, to get the texture of the batter to be more like cookie dough. We want the dough to stick together really well when pinched between your fingers.

The best thing about this recipe is that you don't even have to bake these granola bars. Just keep them in the fridge, covered, till they are all gobbled up by the kids (or by the parents lol!).

Check out how to make this recipe in our Facebook live!

https://www.facebook.com/renata.idrustrebing/videos/10157229530537405/?hc_ref=ARQI97Kxi1CKwF1KNVkFYYgR6ikA95cAtWd3j6MWRY_Dc2a4KOYX95c4jGgOBhIgvnE

Let me know if you make this recipe! Snap a photo and tag me at nourish_with_renata on IG or Facebook. I'd love to see what you and your kids make!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

The classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate in an awesome no-bake, one-bowl granola bar recipe!

• 2/3 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp honey, (or liquid sweetener of choice)
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp stevia sweetened chocolate chips, (such as Lily's)

1. Prepare a small rectangular dish to press the granola bar batter into. Line with saran wrap or parchment paper, with enough hanging over the edge to help you remove it from the dish later. I used a dish the size of 5.5" x 7.5".

2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.

3. Press batter into the prepared dish making it into an even layer.

4. Cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator to harden for approx 30 mins to 1 hour.

5. Cut into 8 equal pieces.

Keep granola bars in the fridge, covered, up to one week.