Snyder’s of Hanover’s Organic Trail Bars Recipe
Organic Trail Bars Recipe
So, as many of you know, healthy options and natural whole foods are a must around these parts.
Especially for my girls.
I often go the extra mile to make snacks or treats or meals at home, that way I know what is going into the food that they are eating. Foregoing the easy way may seem like a huge feat but, with a bit of planning and just a little extra time–you can bet that you will be giving your kids exactly what makes you comfortable.
You can even treat yourself too!
If you are a huge pretzel fan (which I am), you have definitely heard of Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels. They are a delicious snack that is low-calorie if you are trying to watch your intake and want a snack that definitely tantalizes your taste buds. Well, Snyder’s asked me to share a recipe with you guys and if you know me, I’m a chocolate and peanut butter gastronome!
This is my alternative to traditional boxed granola bars, they are packed with fiber, protein, good fat, potassium and antioxidants. Now the version I made are almost organic because the Kroger’s I went to was out of the Whole Wheat & Oat Sticks. But, this is the type that I suggest for this recipe if you are looking for an organic version. If not, any Hanover’s pretzels are delish!
By the way, head on over to check out all their products. They have plenty to choose from and if you’re not close to the border like me, you can get them in Canada, United Kingdom, France–pretty much all over the globe!
Hanover Dark Chocolate PB Banana Trail Bars:
Things you will need:
- 2 cups of toasted Organic rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of split Hanover Organic Whole Wheat & Oat Pretzel Sticks
- 1/4 cup of pure, organic dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup of natural peanut butter
- Pure organic vanilla extract. (3 drops)
- 2 packets of Stevia (optional)
- 4 ripe organic bananas
- Nuts (optional)
- Dried fruit (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Measure 2 cups of your favorite organic rolled oats and spread the oats evenly onto a baking pan/sheet. Roast them for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. This is also a great time to roast your peanuts if you are adding them to your recipe.
Take your organic bananas, cut the ends off, and begin to mash with a fork. Mash until you reach your desired consistency. Add the mashed bananas to the pot and turn on the low heat setting.
Measure 1 cup of your favorite organic or natural peanut butter and add it to the mashed banana mix in the pot. Slowly fold the mixture and keep it at low heat until completed melted.
This is where you add a couple of drops of the pure organic vanilla and the 2 packets of Stevia (natural herb sweetener) to your banana, peanut butter mixture. Keep folding until it is smooth and be sure to be watchful while doing this step since it can burn quite easily.
Take off the heat and cool for a few minutes.
Use a large mixing bowl, add the oats into the mixture and fold until they are completely covered and almost like a dough.
Take your Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel sticks and measure about 1/2 a cup or depending on how salty you want your bars and split them into pieces. That way they are still bite-size and will pack a powerful, delicious punch to your bars!
Fold in your Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel sticks into the mixture until evenly distributed. Keep folding the mixture until oats and pretzels are completely covered.
This is where you add the dark chocolate chips, dried fruit or peanuts. Fold them into the mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough-like mixture.
Once you’ve folded the mixture completely, place the oat bar mix onto a greased pan or you can use parchment paper if you prefer. Place it evenly and use a spatula to square it out. Press it down to your desired thickness and place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. The oven should be at 350 degrees.
Be sure to let your trail bars cool before you cut them. Use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter to cut them into the shape you’d like. I chose for a chunkier and bigger piece for a serving. You can always cut them thinner and longer as well. Throw them in your favorite glass or BPA-free container and you will also be litter-free!
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: 25-30 mins.
Calories: Approx. 195 calories for the thicker, wider version pictured above.
What is your favorite pretzel recipe?
The possibilities are endless, you can make appetizers and desserts, and much more! I wanna hear all your snacks and apps you make using pretzels!
Let me know, til then cheers m’deres!
Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
Oh my goodness! Too cool! 🙂 I love your photos, by the way! What a neat recipe!!! Your girls are adorable, btw!
Thanks m'dere. It's very easy, fun and tasty!
mmmmm those look yummy, thanks for a GREAT recipe!
My pleasure, let me know if you try it out! 🙂
Those look soo yummy and I too love peanut butter and chocolate!
Peanut butter and chocolate were made for each other. 😛 LOL.
Those sound really yummy!
I love pretzels!
I've never tried Stevia before…I've heard mixed things about it…
Pretzels are the bombbbbb. Oh yeah, I went there! I like Snyder's, I find them to be more dense and have more flavor then other brands. I've just recently started using Stevia. It's supposedly natural and herb-derived and there is only like 2 ingredients in it. So, that's always a good sign.
Ooooh..looks great!!
Why thank-you! 🙂
What a great idea. I use pretzels as a crispy coating on chicken and it is delish!
Omigosh. That is awesome, I would love that recipe. What a great way to coat it, I can imagine how crispy they get. 🙂
wow- those look delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
My pleasure!
Your daughters are precious Nancy! 🙂
And I never thought of using pretzels in treat bars before!! O.O That recipe sounds delicious – I'll have to try it next time I'm in the mood for peanut butter and chocolate. I wonder how pretzels would work in a cereal squares recipe… I have such a craving for marshmallow squares (maybe with rice or cinnamon flavour cereal maybe, lol), so I know I'll be making a batch soon! 😉
Will keep an eye out for these pretzels when I next go shopping for ingredients.
Thanks for the recipe and inspiration hun!
Thanks so much Aeryn! 🙂
I love me chocolate (especially dark) and peanut butter.
Hmm, that does sound pretty good. That'd definitely be interesting!
Definitely, Snyder's of Hanover are quality. And they have lots of variety. 🙂
That is so smart! I know this is something my kids would love, definitely on my to try list!
Let me know your twist on the recipe. The possibilities are endless! 🙂
These look so delish!!
Thanks, they were really good and I'm not just saying that cuz I made them! *wink*
Those look yummy!!
OMG. Those sound AMAZING!!! <3
Why thank-you, they were pretty good.
I love these pretzels, it never occurred to me to look for recipes using them – and what a cool recipe this is! It has everything I adore – bananas, chocolate, even Stevia! I feel like I hit the jackpot! I want to make these today!!
Enjoy! 🙂
Thanks for the great recipe.
Great recipe, thank you for sharing.
My pleasure!