Apple Peanut Butter Snack Bars

By Megan

Sometimes I get tired of buying snack bars for my husband because, a) they are expensive and b) they aren’t always the healthiest or tastiest option.  My friend here in GA referred me to this recipe from Happy Healthy Mama that has transformed our snacking world.  I was thrilled when my husband came home from the field and ate these healthy, gluten free snacks with enthusiasm. I’m even more thrilled that I can eat them too.  I have made them for a brunch recently as well and they received rave reviews.  They contain fiber, and protein so are very satisfying and filling, though beware of tummy aches because you will want to eat ALL of them!  Best of all, they are made with no oil, no flour, and no refined sugars.

It’s funny because this recipe requires very little explanation; I always feel like I have to fill up these spaces with words, but I think I will allow the pictures to speak for themselves.  Simply mix all the ingredients in a medium sized bowl, transfer to a baking dish, bake, and enjoy!

Tips: The recipe does not call for chocolate chips but lets be honest, chocolate makes everything better :D; dairy free chocolate chips would work just as well.  The recipe calls for a 9×9 inch pan which works wonderfully but I found the bars have a more cake-ie texture.  If you want something a little crispier around the edges and gooey in the center, just spread the mixture on a cookie sheet instead.

Apple Peanut Butter Snack Bars:

2 cups GF rolled oats

1 cup shredded apple (one medium apple)

1/4 cup Peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9X9 baking dish and set aside.

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.  Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and use the back of a wooden spatula to press it down evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are just barely browned. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.