Muddy Buddy Oatmeal Chocolate Bars
Think of them like a nutrient packed version of muddy buddies (or puppy chow if you’re from the Midwest like me). With a mix of hearty oats, salty peanuts, and a touch of sweetness from dark chocolate and powdered sugar, they’re crave-able, grab-able, and a fan favorite for kids and adults alike!
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Serves: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time (or wait time, in this case): 30 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups rice chex cereal
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup peanuts, salted
1 tbsp flax seed, ground
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, divided
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp honey, may substitute maple syrup if desired*
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar, or enough to cover the top of the bars
Instructions
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Place cereal in a large bowl. Using clean hands, crush cereal a few times until there is a mix of whole and broken pieces.
Add oats, peanuts, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, and flax seed to cereal bowl. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Microwave until the chocolate chips are just melted, about 20 seconds. Remove from microwave and add honey and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Spread a thin layer of the chocolate peanut mixture into the baking pan.
Drizzle remaining chocolate peanut mixture into cereal mixture. Mix gently.
Pour cereal mixture into the baking pan, spread evenly, and pack tightly.
Sift desired amount of powdered sugar ontop of the bars.
Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and cut into squares. These bars are best when served cold.
Optional Substitutions
*Maple syrup may be used, however it is less sticky and the bars may not stick together quite as well when they come to room temperature.
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