Looking For Happiness-Inducing Peanut Bars?

We all know about these moments when we are on the fly and need something to fill up our energy levels again. Kathy Patalsky created a snack bar which is just perfect for these pangs of hunger moments. These bars are not only vegan, gluten-free but even happiness-inducing as she puts it. Well, I can’t think of any better combination for a perfect snack! You can serve them in so many occasions. Christmas is just perfect for trying something new out and surprising your family with those tasteful bars.

“These jam and nut-filled bars are the perfect after-school snack, fiber-ful dessert or anytime treat. Packed with whole grain oats, sweet fruity jam and chopped peanuts (though you could use any nut), these Peanut & Jam Oatmeal Bars, aka PBJ Bars, are a fun and easy baking recipe. Bake these bars, share them with your friends and have a very sunny snack time!

I feel the hum of back to school in the air, so I wanted to share this recipe because PBJ always reminds me of my days as aJanSport backpack wearing kid, rushing home after school to rummage through the pantry to pull out snacks or to make my own. Peanut butter and jam on saltine crackers with apple slices was a common DIY fave of mine, as I recall. So today’s recipe is a baked spin on that, providing some hearty, sweet treat snackage to all the families out there currently entangled in the back to school buzz.

But really these bars, are for everyone.”

These crumbly, moist, baked square are peanut butter and jelly flavored, with some granola bar appeal built in. Perfect for a snack or treat. Kid-approved!

Ingredients

dry:

1 3/4 cups rolled oats

1 1/4 cup oat flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup coconut sugar

wet – blended:

1 stick of vegan butter, Earth Balance – melted or softened

1 large ripe banana

1/3 cup warm water

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

filling:

1/2 cup jam or jelly – any flavor

1 tsp virgin coconut oil

1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, halved or chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease and 8×8 square baking dish.

Add all the ‘dry’ ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss well.

Add the ‘wet’ ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and silky – the mixture will look like a thick yellow pudding in texture.

Pour the wet into the dry bowl and stir well, until a textured oat batter forms.

Scoop about 2/3 of the batter into the baking dish and flatten with a spatula.

Warm the jam and coconut oil in a small dish in the microwave – or on the stovetop. You want the coconut oil melted and the jam to be soft and spreadable. Stir these two ingredients briskly together, then pour the jam on the bottom layer of batter, smoothing gently.

Add the chopped peanuts over top the jam. Note: I “chopped” my peanuts by processing them in my Vitamix for about thirty seconds. A food processor can also be used – or simply chop using a knife.

Pour the remaining batter over top the jam and peanuts and smooth.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Remove squares and cool for at least an hour before slicing and serving. They are easiest to slice when they are fully cooled or chilled in the fridge. Serve at room temperature – and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep Time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.

Cook time: 00 hrs. 30 mins.

Total time: 40 mins.”

Source: Kathy Patalsky