These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect blend of rich, nutty peanut butter and wholesome oats, making for a sweet and satisfying treat that’s also WW-friendly. With just the right amount of sweetness and chewy texture, these bars are great for meal prepping, a quick breakfast on-the-go, or an afternoon snack. Best of all? They’re low in points, so you can enjoy a tasty treat without derailing your Weight Watchers plan!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars:
- Low in Points: These bars are WW-friendly and low in points, making them an easy way to indulge without the guilt.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of oats, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup makes these bars filling and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to make them your own!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if necessary)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s natural peanut butter with no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture and to reduce the fat)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional, for extra fiber and healthy fats)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), salt, and flaxseed (if using).
- Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a bit more applesauce or a splash of water to help it come together.
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s compact.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, slice into 8 squares for a perfectly portioned treat.
Weight Watchers Points Breakdown (per bar, based on 8 servings):
- Points: 3 SmartPoints per serving on WW Green (points can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients used, so be sure to calculate based on your specific ingredients if needed).
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Customizations and Add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1-2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Just be sure to account for the extra points (about 1 point for 1 tablespoon).
- Nuts or Dried Fruit: Mix in some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) for added texture and flavor.
- Seeds: Add chia seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra nutrition and crunch.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bar, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 150-170
- Carbs: 20-22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7-8g
- Fiber: 3g
Why These Bars Are Perfect for Weight Watchers:
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a great way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, while still keeping it in the realm of healthy. The oats provide fiber and help keep you full, while the peanut butter adds that rich, nutty flavor without being overloaded with sugar or unhealthy fats. The best part is that they’re only 3 SmartPoints per bar on WW Green, so you can enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or even dessert without breaking your point bank!