PB&J Energy Oat Bars

Submitted by Hey Jude

"These oat bars make a nice after school snack or a good addition to anyone's lunchbox."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 24 bars

ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1⁄2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3⁄4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2⁄3 cup all-fruit raspberry spreadable fruit (no sugar added)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray a 13x9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Place oats, flour, walnuts, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a bowl and whisk to blend.
4. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl then whisk in peanut butter and brown sugar until well-blended.
5. Whisk in egg and vanilla then stir in dry ingredients using a large spatula.
6. Spread half the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan then spread the fruit spread evenly over the oat base.
7. Top with an even layer of remaining oat batter.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until just beginning to turn golden.
9. A toothpick inserted will come out with a few moist crumbs clinging, and the sides will begin to separate from the pan.
10. Cool completely on a rack before cutting into 24 pieces.
11. Store at room temperature for up to four days.

Reviews

[Maggie in NE Wiscon]

I just made this recipe for a bike tour in my community. One slight problem I had was that the oat base spread in a 13X9-inch pan (you're supposed to use half of it) than put the other half on top of the spreadable fruit. Well, it didn't quite make the same amount to put on the top as it ook to thinly spread on the base of the pan. Also the edges became brown and hard before the middle and sides became golden and done. They were tasty when finished. . . a real 'healthy/pure' flavor. The recipe was pretty easy to make and called for simple/handy ingredients. Hopefully the bicyclists will gain energy and find them tasty tomorrow!

 

[sacredmama]

I had the same problems as the others with the pan being too big. If anyone tries this, definitely use a smaller pan. This recipe really didn't work out for me. It was too dry as well, even though I added some milk. I followed the recipe, except I used a half cup instead of a whole cup of walnuts (and added the milk).

 

[BerrySweet]

Really tasty & wholesome! Just like a PB&J Sandwich, only better. I used a 9" x 9" square glass dish because there did not seem to be enough "batter" to make two layers with in the pan size that this called for. I realized that I only had 1/2 tsp. of vanilla left in my bottle, so I subbed the rest with almond extract which gave this a nice subtle flavor. I let them cool overnight and cut them this morning and there were a bit crumbly on the bottom, but this could be due to the fact that my bars are thicker. I think if the raspberry fruit got to seep through some of the oat mixture, it would help bind it together since it is a sticky substance. But then it might not have that perfect middle layer of fruit. These taste really great and I'd make them again.

 

[KristenErinM]

good, nutritious bars. i made some subs to lighten it up a bit. whole wheat flour,no nuts, splenda with a tsp. molassas, 1/2 cup no cal butter spray, 3/4 cup pb, sugar free blackberry jam. i baked in an 8x8 pan and got 16 bars.

 

[VegSocialWorker]

These energy bars turned out fantastic. I did not experience any of the problems experienced by the first rater. They were soft, evenly baked, with plenty of oat/nut mixture for the top and bottom. I made this because my husband loves peanut butter and needs easy but healty things to snack on during the day. These worked out great and he likes it, so I'll be making it again. Also, used the blueberry jam I had in the fridge and it was not too sweet. Thank you!!