Power Packed Granola Bars (GF, DF)

Good morning and happy Thursday! It's been a super long time since I've shared a recipe so I figured it was way past time to share one. When my fiancé and I were just dating he would look for healthy snacks to put in his lunch that would keep him full until lunchtime rolled around. Anyone who knows my fiancé knows at times he can be an eating machine- and it's very unfair because he never gains a pound. Protein bars never filled him up all the way and apples and peanut butter would only keep him so long. I suggested granola bars and pulled out all the goods.

These granola bars are loaded with nuts (healthy fats), protein (peanut butter and the nuts), and complex carbohydrates (oats) which take longer to break down and keep you full longer. I add just a little bit of mini chocolate chips to satisfy his sweet tooth, but these can be left out. At times I've also thrown in goji berries and they add a nice crunch in the bars as well. These granola bars have been a staple for months and they're super easy to make!  

Power Packed Granola Bars

• 2/3 cup almonds
• 2/3 cup cashews
• 1/3 flax seed
• 1/3 chia seeds
• 1/3 dried, sugar free cranberries
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups oats (gluten free)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• heaping 1/3 cup honey

Line an 8x8 baking pan with tinfoil and spray with non stick cook spray.

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

In a mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl place peanut butter and honey.

Microwave peanut butter and honey for 30 seconds, stir, then for another 30 seconds, or until it's melted. Stir to combine. 

Pour melted peanut butter and honey over dry ingredients. Use a flat silicone spatula to coat all dry ingredients with peanut butter mixture. 

Dump the combine ingredients into the lined 8x8 pan and press down mixture so it's evenly spread out. 

Bake at 350F degrees for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. 

Allow the pan to cool before cutting the mixture into bars. Store in airtight container for up to two weeks.

If you make them snap a photo, tag me on instagram, or use the hashtag #thesimplelife.