Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars

Yes that title is a mouthful, but your mouth will be SO happy when you inhale one of these bars. Yes there are a lot of ingredients, but they are wholesome, filling and a healthier dessert option. I left off the chocolate drizzle because well lets be honest, I left it off because I was too lazy...there I said it. Either way I think you will love these. Enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars from Health

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars slightly adapted from Health.com

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 
  
  
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and peanut butter until well combined. Beat in eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Add barley flakes (or rolled oats), cranberries, peanuts, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring to combine.

3. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned and firm to the touch. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.