It's really hard to find snacks that are both healthy and tasty. I struggle with it a lot! Especially this time of year when a lot of people are trying to be healthy, but it's still so dark and horrible outside you need comfort food. Fruit is of course always an ideal option for snacking, but sometimes you need something more filling and preferably containing chocolate! These granola bars obviously aren't as good as fruit and vegetables, but they are much better than a chocolate bar. Plus, they are so easy and quick to make, no oven required!
I started by melting 250g peanut butter (I used a smooth organic kind), 150g agave nectar (you could substitute this for honey), and 90g light brown sugar on a low heat. Once it all came together I took the pan off the heat.
In a bowl I measured out 150g oats and 120g of a seed mix I got from Tesco that contained pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and linseeds. I added the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mixed it until everything was fully coated. I then added 100g chopped milk chocolate and stirred in. The heat from the mixture will melt it so you don't need to pre-melt.
I gently spread the mixture in a lined baking tray (9"x12"), making sure it was packed in tight and had a smooth and flat top. I popped it in the fridge for about an hour.
Once it was set I removed it from the tray and cut it into bars. It had set nice and firm.
The bars are best wrapped in parchment paper or foil and stored in the fridge to keep them firm, but they will be fine for a few hours out of the fridge, so perfect for lunchboxes. They taste really good, very moreish! I have been really enjoying them and they give me that chocolate hit I often crave.
I am entering these into myself and Cakeyboi's monthly challenge, Treat Petite. Cakeyboi is hosting this month and the theme is 'Healthy Treats'.
I am also entering these into Tea Time Treats, hosted by The Hedge Combers and Lavender & Lovage on alternate months. This month's theme is Packed Lunches, which these would be perfect for!
