Hi again Munchkin Blog readers! It’s @lunchesandlttles excited to be back to share another yummy recipe with all of you. Today I have one that is perfect for snack time, road trips, lunchboxes and even play dates.

These bars are full of chocolatey, almond butter goodness in every single bite, and the best part – they are made with real food. If you follow me over on my feed @lunchesandlittles you know that I just love healthy snack time treats for both me and my little ones, but ones that are delicious AND nutritious can be hard to come by. These No Bake Homemade Chocolatey Granola Bars are not only easy to make, but they are also both mom and kid-approved. Check out the full recipe below and if you happen to make these – we want to see! Be sure to tag @munchkininc and @lunchesandlittles in your posts!

As always, before starting, be sure to read through the entire recipe below, to ensure best results!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raw almond butter (I used @thebetteralmondbutter; Truly Raw)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup protein powder (I used @sneakz_organic Chocolate Protein Powder)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 and 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (I used @enjoylifefoods #dairyfree mini chips)

*You will also need: parchment paper, a 9-inch square brownie pan and a stand mixer.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Line your brownie pan with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges of pan. Set aside.
In a stand mixer (I use a Kitchen Aid), using the beater attachment, add the following: applesauce, almond butter and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until ingredients are well-combined. Then turn off mixer.
Next, add in the protein powder, cocoa and salt. Mix on low until again, ingredients are well-combined.
Add in oats and using the paddle attachment this time, mix it all up! Once well-combined, stop. Add in mini chocolate chips at the very end, incorporating, but ensuring not to over-mix the chips.
Transfer mixture into your prepared pan and spread out as flat as possible. Using another piece of parchment paper, cover mixture, press down and smooth. Then, cover your pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Once firmed up, remove from refrigerator and using parchment paper overhanging the pan, remove entire pan contents and lay on a flat surface, like a counter or large cutting board.
Cut into 10- 12 granola bars. Serve immediately or store covered back in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

These bars are a great snack option for the whole family. Tasty, nutritious, easy to make and portable – what’s not to love?! My oldest loves seeing these in his lunchbox, and I also love having them on hand for play dates with friends.

For more quick and easy kid-friendly recipes be sure to check out my feed, @lunchesandlittles where I am making meals and snacks like this all of the time or my past recipes here. And check out Munchkin’s feeding supplies and more for your little ones, like the cups, bowls and plates from their new Splash Collection shown here.