Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars
Chewy, nutritious peanut butter breakfast bars packed with oats, dried apples, and raisins, perfect for a quick, energizing start to your day or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with foil and coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened oat cereal flakes with raisins, quick-cooking rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and snipped dried apples.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs slightly and then stir in honey, chunky peanut butter, and applesauce until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly to even out the surface.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. If you're out of chunky peanut butter, smooth peanut butter works just as well. You can also replace the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version, or substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter breakfast bars make a great on-the-go snack or a quick breakfast option. Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Jersey Fresh Taffy Apple Dip for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds to soften before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars contains roughly 4007 calories, with 144g protein, 307g carbohydrates, and 271g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (289% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2044mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the sweetened oat cereal flakes with any similar cereal you prefer, such as granola or rice cereal. Just ensure it's sweetened to maintain the overall flavor balance of the bars.
How can I make these bars healthier?
To make these bars healthier, you can reduce the amount of honey used or opt for a natural sweetener like agave syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients.
Can I freeze these breakfast bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).