These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Clif Bars are a perfect blend of creamy, nutty richness and sweet, melty indulgence. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they deliver a satisfying chew with every bite, making them an ideal snack for busy days or post-workout fuel. The combination of smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate chips creates a flavor duo that’s impossible to resist.
With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour to chill, these bars come together effortlessly, offering a homemade treat that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Their soft yet sturdy texture makes them easy to grab and go, while the irresistible aroma of peanut butter and chocolate will have you reaching for seconds. Perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing with friends, these bars are a must-try!
What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Clif Bars
- 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) pitted Medjool dates (packed tightly)
- ⅔ cup (5 oz/142 g) salted peanut butter (or unsalted, adjust salt to taste)
- ½ cup (5 oz/142 g) agave or honey (use agave for a vegan option)
- 1 cup (1½ oz/42 g) crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup (3 oz/85 g) quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats for a chewier texture)
- ¼ cup (1¼ oz/35 g) peanuts, chopped (or substitute with almonds or cashews)
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds (optional, for added nutrition)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (1½ oz/43 g) finely chopped semisweet chocolate (or chocolate chips)
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Clif Bars
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- Make the base: In a food processor, combine the dates, peanut butter, and agave or honey. Process until smooth and paste-like.
- Warm the mixture: Transfer the paste to a saucepan and heat over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute, until warm and easy to stir.
- Mix in dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the warm paste with crisp rice cereal, oats, chopped peanuts, flax seeds, cinnamon, and chocolate. Stir or knead until evenly mixed.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using your hands or the back of a spoon.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut and store: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 9 even bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, separated by parchment paper, for up to 10 days.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Clif Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. To prevent sticking, layer them between sheets of parchment paper. If you’d like to keep them longer, wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to customize these bars to suit your taste! Swap the peanuts for almonds or cashews, or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Replace the chocolate chips with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. For a different flavor profile, try almond butter instead of peanut butter and add a pinch of nutmeg instead of cinnamon.
Time-Saving Hacks
To speed up the process, use pre-chopped dates or soak whole dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them quickly. If you’re short on time, skip the heating step—just mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. For even faster chilling, place the bars in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead of the fridge.
Equipment Guidance
A food processor is key for blending the dates, peanut butter, and agave into a smooth paste. If you don’t have one, mash the dates with a fork and mix everything by hand—it’ll take a bit more effort but still works! Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly into the pan for even bars.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a post-workout treat. Pair them with a piece of fruit or a glass of milk for a balanced snack. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before chilling for an extra indulgent touch.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Clif Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ⅔ cup salted peanut butter
- ½ cup agave or honey
- 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup finely chopped semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the dates, peanut butter, and agave or honey and process into a paste.
- Heat this mixture in a saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave for about 1 minute, until warm and loosened.
- Transfer to a medium bowl and add the crisp rice, oats, peanuts, flax seeds, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Stir or knead together until evenly combined.
- Press evenly and firmly into the prepared pan, then cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Cut into 9 bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge between sheets of parchment paper for up to 10 days.
