If you’re looking for a post-workout snack (Hello, Broad Street runners & marathoners!) or just need something to help you power through that mid-morning slump, these granola bars are easy to make and packed with protein and fiber. Better yet, they’re vegan and easily customizable.

Can’t jive with peanut butter? Swap it for almond, cashew or sunflower butter. To make them gluten free, use GF certified oats. Substitute the sunflower seeds with chopped peanuts, almonds or pecans. The possibilities are endless!

Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

Yield: 8 bars or 12 squares

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup additions*

* Here, you can choose your own adventure! I threw in more sunflower seeds for extra crunch (and because it’s what I had on hand). A few suggestions: raisins, dried cherries, shredded coconut or even chocolate chips (especially chocolate chips).

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides of the pan. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. With a fork, mix until incorporated. Stir in the coconut oil, salt and vanilla extract. Still using the fork, stir the oats into the bowl, then knead with your hands until the mixture comes together. Fold in the sunflower seeds and your choice of additions.

3. Distribute the granola evenly in the prepared pan and press very firmly into the pan with the back of a rubber spatula. Really pack it down! This will help it to hold its shape and prevent crumbling later. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.

4. Let cool completely in the pan. To remove, gently lift the ends of the parchment paper. Using a chef’s knife, cut down into bars or squares. If the bars seem crumbly, place them in the fridge for 30 minutes. This well help them hold together.

Granola bars will keep fresh at room temperature in an air tight container for 5 days. For a longer shelf life, stack or wrap the bars individually and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Kristina Beese is the co-owner of The Beese Knees, a gourmet ice cream cake company in Philadelphia. With a B.S. in Photography, she styles and photographs all her confections using both digital and 35mm film. Kristina believes cooking is a labor of love and wants to inspire others to find joy in their kitchens. View all posts by Kristina Beese