Energy Bars

These homemade energy bars are about to become your new go-to treat – they’re chewy, satisfying, and perfectly sweetened with honey. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version.

What makes these bars truly special is their perfect balance of textures – from the hearty rolled oats to the melty chocolate chips and crunchy pepitas. The natural peanut butter adds a rich, creamy base that holds everything together while providing healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter
• ⅔ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (heaping)

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 2½ cups whole rolled oats
• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons pepitas (or crushed peanuts/cashews)

Steps

1. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Stir until completely smooth and well-mixed.
3. Add oats, chocolate chips, and pepitas to the wet mixture. Keep stirring – it will seem dry at first but will come together.
4. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Use a second piece of parchment and a measuring cup to compress and flatten.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
6. Cut into 8 equal bars and store in the refrigerator.

Smart Swaps

• Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile
• Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries or raisins for a fruit-forward version
• Replace pepitas with any chopped nuts or seeds you prefer

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace honey with monk fruit syrup (use ½ cup instead of ⅔ cup) to reduce carbs by 15g per serving
• Use sugar-free chocolate chips to lower carbs by an additional 4g per serving
• Add 2 tablespoons ground flax to increase fiber and slow sugar absorption
• Portion into 16 smaller bars instead of 8 to reduce carb impact per serving

Pro Tips

• Press mixture very firmly into pan for bars that hold together well
• For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks