Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Let me just start by saying that:

1. I’m totally addicted to making my own granola bars (did you see the Cranberry White Chocolate Granola Bars I shared last week?)

Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but listen up, buttercup – these babies have it going on!

Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Adapted from Crumbs and Chaos

Ingredients:
2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup krispy rice cereal
3/4 cup chopped pretzels
1 tablespoon flax seed
1/4 brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

Directions:

Line a 9×9 pan and lightly spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, cereal, flax seed and pretzels.

Using a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the peanut butter, honey and brown sugar.  When the mixture begins to bubble, remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract.

Pour the liquid over the oat mixture and mix to combine.  Fold in half the mini chocolate chips at the end quickly, then press the mixture into the prepared pan.  Top with the remaining chips and press down using the spatula.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting.  Store in the fridge after cutting. 

Despite all my gushing over these bars, I found that they were a little more crumbly than I would have liked.  Next time I make them, I plan to cut back ever so slightly on the peanut butter, I think…

What’s your favorite kind of granola bar? Sweet? Salty? Nutty? Fruity?