Hearty Pomegranate Oat Bars

This is a combo of two recipes that I love. These bars are a great midday snack to get you through the work day, or a great breakfast.

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 1 cup salted peanuts, gently chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• Kosher salt

For the Bars:

• 2 cups oats
• 1 stick, plus 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Skylake Ranch Pomegranate Fruit Spread

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Using 1 tablespoon butter, grease the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Cut a 8 by 18-inch piece of parchment paper and line the bottom of the baking pan and have the excess sticking up out of the pan as handles so you can easily remove the bars. Butter the parchment paper too.

3. To make the topping: In a small bowl, mash together the peanuts, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using your fingertips, mix in the butter. Set aside.

4. To make the bars: In a stand mixer, blend the butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in order, scraping down the sides as needed. Slowly blend in the flour and oats then fold in the chocolate chips. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish, then spread the pomegranate fruit spread over the entire dish.

5. Sprinkle the reserved peanut topping over the top and bake until the edges and topping are golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow it to cool before slicing.