In the spirit of the Peanut Butter for Breakfast campaign, I thought it would be fun to share some breakfast recipes using peanut butter. What better place to find inspiration than the National Peanut Board’s website. I found so many delicious ideas, including these super healthy granola bars. It is amazing how easy and inexpensive it is to make granola bars right at home. And they’re good too!
These granola bars have a perfect balance of flavors and a nice texture that is not too chewy, not too crispy. They are naturally sweetened with dried fruit and a touch of molasses. The peanut butter is present, but subtle, and acts as a binder with the egg whites. Add a little spice, some oats and seeds, and you have a healthy, high-protein, high-fiber granola bar that is perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, a mid-morning pick me up, or any time the mood strikes.
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup dried fruit, such as dates, raisins, prunes, chopped (I used dates)
- 2 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8-inch square baking pan with foil and spray foil with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, egg whites and molasses until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, dried fruit, flaxseed, pepitas, sesame seeds and pumpkin pie spice.
- Add the oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture, and stir until combined.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and use a silicone spatula (or the back of a spoon sprayed with cooking spray) to spread the mixture into the pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan. Remove from pan by lifting out the foil and then cut into 8 bars.
Adapted from the National Peanut Board
I always try to snack on whole grains rather than chips! A lot healthier and fills you up more. This recipe does look like a winner with the mix of peanut butter and pumpkin spice-awesome flavor blend.
Thanks for sharing this one and have a great day!
Oh my goodness, these sound incredible!
This sounds really interesting to me – I’ve never had peanut butter with pumpkin spice, but I bet it’s delectable. Love the wrappers, too!
PB for breakfast is always welcome. I like that the sweetness is from the fruits and not sugar or honey. The bars looks perfect A! 🙂
Funny we both made granola bars today! Yours look yummy!