Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 1 cup +2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (pulsed in a food processor for about 6 seconds)
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal (brown or white)
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tbsp golden flaxseed meal (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)

Instruction

  • Line a 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, set aside. NOTE: I prefer criss-crossing them for easy removal.
  • In a medium size microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave on medium power (I did 5) for 1 minute, then stir and repeat. Remove from the microwave, add the vanilla whisk vigorously until smooth. Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, almonds, flaxseed meal, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour the cooled peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a large spatula, fold the ingredients together until no dry spots remain, then pour in all but 1 tablespoon of the chocolate chips. NOTE: it's ok if the chocolate chips melt a little bit, it adds more flavor to the bars! Mix until combined, then pour into the prepared pan. Press firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours. Remove from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 rectangular bars or 12 squares. Store in a ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.