Fuel Up for School: Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
As the vibrant days of summer gradually fade, a familiar buzz starts to fill the air: back-to-school season. It feels like just yesterday the kids were running out the doors for their last day, full of excitement for summer adventures. Now, with August just around the corner, many of us are preparing for the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and the age-old question: “What should I pack for lunch?”
The transition from lazy summer days to structured school routines can be a challenge for both parents and children. While we initially crave the peace and quiet, a week or two into summer, we often find ourselves looking forward to the routine school brings. Yet, when the time actually comes, there’s always that last-minute rush to get everything ready. My kids, however, are surprisingly eager to go back. They miss their friends, their teachers, and the vibrant activity that school offers – especially once we’ve conquered the school supply shopping!
Navigating Busy School Days with Smart Snacks
Our middle child, Cassie, has already jumped into the school year with band camp. Her days are long, starting with a 7:15 AM bus ride and not ending until I pick her up at 4:30 PM. These are what we call the “short” days! Once school officially begins, she’ll be out of the house by 6 AM and back around 6 PM. It’s a demanding schedule, which means nutritious, energizing snacks are not just a luxury, but a necessity.
My kids prefer bringing a packed lunch, even when school lunch options are available. This allows them to graze throughout their long day. A portion of their meal might be eaten on the way to school, another hidden snack between classes, and if anything remains, it’s quickly devoured between school and after-school practice. These busy schedules demand fuel that keeps them going, and that’s where homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars truly shine.
A typical lunchbox for my kids aims for a healthy balance: a sandwich, some fresh fruit, carrot or celery sticks, a yogurt, and something sweet and satisfying like these homemade granola bars. We also pack water, often partially frozen to double as an ice pack, and a convenient Shamrock Farms Chocolate on-the-go mmmmilk. While it may seem like a lot, it’s perfectly portioned for a 12-hour day, and let’s be honest, some of it often gets shared with friends – except for the chocolate milk, that’s strictly non-negotiable!
The Perfect Pairing: Granola Bars and Shamrock Farms Milk
My kids are huge milk fans, so having these handy on-the-go bottles from Shamrock Farms makes life incredibly easy. Shamrock Farms mmmmilk is reduced-fat and provides a significant 25% of the daily recommended value of protein, making it an excellent partner for our Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. Together, they offer a powerful boost of energy and essential nutrients to help my kids conquer their busy school days, from morning classes to after-school activities.
Making homemade granola bars is a simple, rewarding task that pays dividends throughout the week. They require just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, making them a perfect addition to any meal prep routine. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips is a classic that never disappoints, ensuring these bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your family’s snacks is invaluable.
I personally love cutting my granola bars into rectangles instead of traditional squares. There’s something a bit more fun about it, and I find they’re easier to eat, resulting in fewer crumbs – a win-win for everyone, especially when eating on the go!
These bars are truly versatile – perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a quick breakfast on those extra hectic mornings. They provide sustained energy without a sugar crash, thanks to the oats, nuts, and protein-packed peanut butter.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add oats, nuts and chocolate chips and stir until oats are completely coated.
- Gently press mixture into a greased 8×8 square baking pan. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 15 minutes, just until edges start to brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Store in an airthight container.
Notes
For easier removal from the pan, consider lining it with parchment paper before pressing the mixture. This also helps with cleanup!
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Grab Your Shamrock Farms Favorites & Enter to Win!
You can find Shamrock Farms on-the-go mmmmilk at Walmarts across the country for just $1.00. They offer a fantastic variety, including whole white, chocolate, or strawberry options – perfect for any taste preference and a great way to ensure your kids get the dairy they need.
To celebrate the back-to-school season and help families prepare, Shamrock Farms is launching Roxie’s Ultimate Back-To-School Sweepstakes! One lucky winner will receive nearly $5,000 ($4,999) in gift cards, which can be used to stock up on all your back-to-school essentials, groceries, and even a brand new wardrobe. This incredible opportunity could make the return to school much smoother for one fortunate family. You can enter online at www.shamrockfarms.net/walmart from now until August 20. Don’t miss out on this chance to win big!
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More Great Snack Ideas for Your Lunchbox
Looking for even more delicious and easy-to-pack snacks for school lunches or after-school munchies? Here are some fantastic recipes to keep your kids fueled and happy:
Carrot Cake Muffins
Cinnamon Glazed Pecans
Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
And for more inspiration directly from Shamrock Farms:
- Banana Rolls from Shamrock Farms
- Fruit Bars from Shamrock Farms
- Fruit Kabobs from Shamrock Farms
- Healthy S’more from Shamrock Farms
What are your go-to snack ideas for lunch? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments below for a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card! We’d love to hear how you keep your kids energized and happy throughout the school year.
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This sweepstakes runs from 7/27/15 – 9/4/15.
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This is a sponsored post on behalf of BlogHer and Shamrock Farms, all opinions are my own and I only share things I truly love.