Peanut Butter Chocolate "Clif" Bars

I love Clif Bars, chewy, subtle crunch, a natural source of protein, satisfying, tons of variety and healthier compared to many of the other energy bars on the market. What I don't love is their price. At over a $1.50 a bar (if they're on sale) I just don't stock up on them.

A couple months ago my sister made the most delicious copycat Clif Bar. The recipe is super easy, no-bake and you can whip up a whole bunch at a fraction of the cost of buying them in the store.

Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

Yield: 16 Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate "Clif" Bars
Olive oil
1 1/4 cups unsweetened dates, pitted and minced
1 cup quick oats
2 tablespoons ground flax
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 cups crisp rice cereal
1/3 cup peanuts or almonds, roughly chopped
2/3 cup all natural peanut butter (no oil or sugar added)
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown rice syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Lightly coat an 8x8 inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside. Pulse pitted dates in a blender or food processor until finely chopped and then add to a large bowl. Add in the oats, flax and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter work the mixture together until it resembles course crumbs then stir in rice cereal and chopped nuts.

In a small pan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter and rice syrup stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla and pour over cereal mix. *Hint* I find it easiest to coat my hands with a little olive oil and combine the mixture together with my hands.

Firmly press down mix in prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm then cut into individual bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge.