Peanut Butter Power Bars
Chewy and nutritious peanut butter power bars packed with oats, dried fruit, and chocolate chips, ideal for a quick energy boost or healthy snack on the go.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together oats, chopped dates, raisins or chips, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat peanut butter, margarine, eggs, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute the chunky peanut butter with sunbutter or almond butter. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a chewier texture, consider adding an extra cup of chopped dried fruit. To enhance the flavor, a teaspoon of vanilla extract can be mixed into the wet ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These power bars make for a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying snack on-the-go. Pair them with a glass of almond milk or a smoothie for a complete meal. They also complement well with fruits like bananas or apples. For a delightful dessert, consider serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Peanut Butter Power Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Power Bars contains roughly 658 calories, with 14g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% 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 rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture will be chewier and may require a slightly longer baking time. Quick oats help bind the ingredients better, yielding a denser bar.
Are these bars suitable for vegan diets?
To make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of margarine.
What can I use instead of dates?
If you don't have dates, you can replace them with dried figs or apricots. Both options will add natural sweetness and a unique flavor to the bars. Chopped prunes can also work as a substitute.
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).