Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars
Last week I mentioned I was on the warpath to make a high protein granola bar, and my first attempt was good but not great. For my first attempt, I referenced a base recipe that I’ve used in the past and tried to modify it a bit based on what I was going for (lower sugar, higher protein), and the initial combinations were not quite right – the bars were dry but tasted good – so I knew there was potential.
My original attempt was for a straight up peanut butter granola bar, but on attempt number two, I had a crazy thought. What if I used low sugar jelly as most of the sweetener? Along with some other minor adjustments, that idea was a winner!
These bars are a little like a cross between a Nutri-Grain bar and granola bar. In other words, they’re tasty. And, I achieved my higher protein goal to boot. Sadly, the key ingredient that helps with the protein is Trader Joe’s Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, which is most definitely discontinued. However, there is relief! The same product is available online here, for a similar price.
Oh, and check it out, the sun came out this past weekend! This picture was taken on Saturday – it was a lovely day – 53 degrees and sunny. Just about perfect in my book!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars
Time Required:
- 10 minutes prep
- 30 minutes to bake
Makes: 12 bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup oat bran
- ½ cup partially defatted peanut flour
- 1/3 cup sugar in the raw (turbinado sugar)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1/3 cup low sugar jelly or jam of your choice
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350 F and generously spray an 8×8 baking pan (or use parchment paper to line the pan)
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients and peanut butter
- Make a well in the mixture and add egg and applesauce, and mix to combine
- Pour one half of the mixture into the baking pan and flatten with a spatula or your hands
- Spread the jam evenly across the bottom half
- Pour the remaining mixture into the pan and spread evenly, flattening with a spatula or your hands
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned
- When the bars are cooked, removed from the oven and let cool 5 minutes, then, turn out onto a cutting board and cut into 12 equal bars while they’re still warm.
Nutrition:
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