Healthier Scotcheroo Bars - Delightful by Gabriella

1 cup old-fashioned oats (use gf or rice crisps if desired!)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut see notes to omit*
1 scoop vanilla protein powder plant-based works best in this recipe... see notes to omit*
¾ cup creamy peanut butter plus 2 tablespoons
½ cup pure maple syrup honey or brown rice syrup work too!
½ cup dark chocolate chips

First, mix together the oats, coconut, and protein powder in a medium bowl .
Next, in a microwavable safe dish, melt together the peanut butter and maple syrup in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir for 30 seconds until a smooth, cohesive peanut butter caramel forms.
Pour the peanut butter caramel into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Press into a 8x8 baking dish for thin bars (would be perfect to double the recipe) or a 1 lb loaf pan (for thicker bars, aka my preference). I like to line my pan with parchment paper to make it easier to slice and store.
Then, in a microwave safe bowl melt together the chocolate and additional 2 tbsp of peanut butter until smooth. Pour directly over the bar mixture.
Finally, place the bars into the refrigerator and let the bars set up for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers for up to a week in the refrigerator.

*If you want to use rice crisps, you may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on how small or large the puffs are.

*If you do not want the bars having coconut in them, omit completely and use 2 cups of oats. Essentially you need 2 cups of the dry mixture.

*If you want to take out the protein powder, add 1/4 cup more oats or 1/4 ground flaxseed.