Gooey School Lunch Bars

In today's fast-paced world, the significance of healthy snacks for school lunches cannot be overstated. Parents are increasingly aware of the importance of providing their children with nutritious options that not only fuel their bodies but also satisfy their taste buds. Enter Gooey School Lunch Bars—a delightful fusion of health and indulgence that promises to be a hit among kids and adults alike. These bars are not just a delicious treat; they are packed with wholesome ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet.

Discover the joy of Gooey School Lunch Bars, the perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and irresistible taste. These bars are not only a hit among kids but also cater to various dietary needs, making them a versatile snack for everyone. Packed with oats, nut butter, and natural sweeteners, they provide lasting energy without compromising on flavor. Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins, these bars are ideal for lunchboxes, snacks, or a quick breakfast. Enjoy a guilt-free treat that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup honey

½ cup unsweetened peanut butter (or almond butter)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

1 cup mini chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins: dried fruit, nuts)

½ cup crispy rice cereal (optional for added crunch)

¼ cup chia seeds or ground flaxseed (for added nutrition, optional)

½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and chia seeds or ground flaxseed if using. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and peanut butter. Stir until melted and well combined, then remove from heat. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and combined. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips, crispy rice cereal, and shredded coconut at this stage.

Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly, ensuring it's packed tightly for a gooey texture.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.

Cool Down: Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, and let them cool completely on the rack.

Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice into 16 bars (or your desired size). Enjoy your gooey school lunch bars as a delightful snack or a sweet treat in lunchboxes!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 16 bars