Part Power Bar® and part granola bar, these were inspired by a recipe in The Ultimate Peanut Butter Book by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough.
One of the best things about these protein-powered snacks is that they are all natural, preservative free and—perhaps best of all—less expensive than store bought. Not only do they taste great, but you can also customize the add-ins to suit your mood.
Although you could use purchased granola, I recommend Banana Nut Granola or Peanut Butter Granola Surprise for this recipe.
Chewy Peanut Butter Power Bites
Makes 16 squares (pictured) or 32 mini bars (bites)
2 cups homemade granola (ideally featuring bananas and/or peanut butter)
1/2 cup almond meal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup nonfat powdered milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup walnut pieces, mini chocolate chips or any other dried fruit or nut of your choice
- Preheat oven to 325° F and mist an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- Combine granola, almond meal, wheat germ and powdered milk in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Cream peanut butter and honey together in a stand mixer. Add vanilla and blend.
- Pour granola mixture into peanut butter mixture and blend until fully combined.
- Add walnuts, chocolate chips or other add-in and blend until well mixed. Mixture will be crumbly.
- Transfer to prepared pan and distribute evenly, using moistened fingers to press into edges and corners.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove pan to wire rack to cool.
- After 10-15 minutes, cut into 16 squares or 32 small bars (bites).
Place individual pieces in separate plastic snack bags for easy, portable snacks or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, refrigerate in sealed bags or containers for up to two weeks.
© Liesl K. Bohan | SavvyBaker.com
