No-Bake Oatmeal Bars (with Peanut Butter & Coconut)

The ultimate easy and healthy snack

As you spend more time at home, snacking can become a favorite pastime. Hello chips, cookies and ice cream. For a healthier alternative, try these no-bake bars instead. You’ll think you’re eating dessert when you’re actually munching on a wholesome snack!

Takes 40 minutes
Makes 16 bars

Ingredients

For the bars:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats gluten-free
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut (shredded)
• ¼ cup almond meal
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ to ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the chocolate topping:

• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• 1 TBS peanut butter

Refined-sugar-free topping option:

• ¼ cup unsweetened chocolate chopped
• 1 TBS peanut butter
• 1-2 TBS honey or maple syrup

Instructions

For the bars:

• In a small bowl mix together oats, coconut and almond meal. Set aside.
• In a large, microwave-safe bowl or in a pot on the stove, gently melt the peanut butter and honey together until smooth. (If your peanut butter is liquid at room temperature, simply mix the honey and peanut butter together without warming).
• Add vanilla and salt and stir until combined.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix well.
• Spread into an 8x8” pan and set aside.

For the topping:

• Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together on the stovetop or in the microwave (start by heating for 60 seconds. Stir then heat in 30 second increments until smooth).

Refined-sugar-free topping: 

• In the microwave or on the stovetop, gently melt together the chocolate, honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter.

Putting it together:

• Drizzle or spread melted chocolate/peanut butter over the bars.
• Let the bars setup on the counter or in the fridge until the chocolate sets.
• Cut and serve at room temperature or cold!
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of joyfoodsunshine.com