Microwave Chocolate Peanut Butter & Oat Snack Bars

I made these bars in 3 minutes flat.  They are going to become a new staple.  Fast, easy, simple, portable, and kid-approved.  And mommy-approved.  And they contain chocolate and peanut butter.  I mean, what’s not to love?

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Microwave Chocolate Peanut Butter & Oat Snack Bars

2 Tbsp Chocolate Chips

2 to 3 Tbsp Peanut Butter (or other nut butter)

2 Tbsp Milk (or nut milk) (I used vanilla coffee creamer!)

1/2 C Oats

Optional:

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1 Tbsp Sweetener (Brown/White Sugar, Agave, Maple Syrup or Stevia to Taste)

1 Tbsp Other Dry Ingredients (coconut flakes, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, more chocolate chips, raisins, scoop of protein powder, etc.)

Directions:

Melt the first three ingredients together in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring and checking

Then add the Oats and any optional ingredients, stir to combine.  (You want this mixture to be fairly dry.  If it’s not dry enough, add more oats one tablespoon at a time)

Press mixture into bars or balls.   Using a piece of plastic wrap on the inside of a square plastic container will save on dishes and cleanup.

Put in refrigerator or freezer for 10 minutes, or until bars have set up.   Slice or break apart.

Yields 3 Larabar-sized bars that are also vegan and gluten-free.

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Did you notice that snazzy Print This widget feature?  Thanks Christine for the tip off on that one.

Here’s how things went down.  Visually speaking.

Add the Chips + PB + Milk and then Nuke

Then add the Oats and other Optionals

Press it into a plastic container or bowl, then freeze or refrigerate til set up.  Using plastic wrap saves on mess because you can just lift the whole thing out.  Messy cook anyone?

Yields 3 Bars.  I don’t always need a dozen, or more, bars.  Sometimes just a few is all I want or need.

The inside is perfectly chocolately and peanut buttery.  The peanut butter and oats keep them chewy, and the chocolate keeps them…Mmmm!

Definitely Kiddie Approved.

Wrap any extras in plastic and take for an on-the-go snack.  That is, if you have any ‘leftovers’ from the yield of 3 bars.

Related Foods/Snacks that are No-Bake/Micro/Freezer type recipes:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Coconut Oil Protein Bars (Vegan, GF, No-Bake)

Microwave Banana Oat Cakes

Biggie Microwave Banana Oat Cakes

Microwave Blueberry Banana Oat Cakes

I also have an Oats Recipes Post that highlights many of my oat-containing recipes.

From my last post about the Challenge: In 10 Years, it was amazing reading where you all think you’re going to be in 10 years!  Wow.  Thank you for gracing me with your stories, dreams, goals, aspirations, and honesty.  I really loved reading those comments and I’m glad you enjoyed my thoughts about where I’ll be in 10 years and what I’ll be doing.

And yes, it’s so hard to predict life and the changes, twists and turns it will take.  Most of you told me you are amazed the way your life has unfolded and the life path you’re walking, living, and breathing right now.

Questions:

1. Best thing you’ve ate or done over the weekend?

I picked up some things for Skylar’s birthday party and we spent lots of time together as a family.  The weather has been great, high 60s/low 70s and sunny and we went for a few great long power walks.

2. Do you like to make your own snack bars?

Yes, see the above links.  Clearly, I’m a fan.

3. What’s in your “dream” snack bar?

Mine would have to have oats, chocolate, peanut butter and from there…you can’t go wrong!

Have a great week, everyone!