Chocolate Peanut Butter "Clif" Bars

Inspired by the success of my white chocolate macadamia nut "Clif" bars, I decided to try another of AKD's favorites, chocolate peanut butter.  In preparation, I tasted an actual Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif bar, and it was not good.  My best description would be that it tasted...institutional.  It certainly did not taste like peanut butter.  I'm really not sure why my boy likes these things so much, other than that they're portable and filling.  Anyway, I can definitely understand why AKD likes this version better.  It's so delicious.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars

{Adapted from here}

{Click here to print this recipe}

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups crisp rice, puffed millet, or puffed quinoa cereal
• 2 c. quick oats
• 1/4 c. ground flax seed
• 1/2 c. peanut butter chips
• 3/4 c. chocolate chips (divided use)
• 1 c. honey
• 1 c. peanut butter (I like to use crunchy, but creamy works)
• 2 t. vanilla extract
• 1/4 c. chocolate or peanut butter chips
• 1/2 t. butter or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together crisp rice cereal, quick oats, flax seed, peanut butter chips, and 1/2 c. chocolate chips.  Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together honey, peanut butter, and 1/4 c. chocolate chips, just until melted and combined.  Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until well combined.*  Press mixture firmly and evenly into a greased or parchment lined 9x13 inch pan.**
4. In a small microwave safe bowl or cup, melt 1/4 c. chocolate chips or peanut butter chips according to package instructions.  Add butter and stir until smooth.  Drizzle melted mixture over the top of the bars in the pan and refrigerate until firm.

* I pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture while it's still warm, which melts the chocolate and peanut butter chips a bit.  If you want bigger chunks of chocolate/peanut butter chips in your finished bars, wait until the peanut butter mixture cools to room temperature.

** I just spray my hands with cooking spray and use them to press the mixture into the pan.