Power Bars for The Sweet Tooth

Power Bars for The Sweet Tooth

¾ cup butter, softened
1½ cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
2/3 cup Krave Pineapple Orange or Chipotle Jerky, finely chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped banana chips
½ cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.  

Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.  Add brown sugar, lemon peel, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  Beat until combined, scraping the bowl occasionally.  

Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.  Continue beating and slowly add in as much flour as you can with the mixer, then stir in any remaining flour.  Stir in walnuts, jerky, cranberries, banana chips and chocolate chips.

Place dough in a large non-greased baking dish, at least 9x13-inches (or divide dough in half and bake in two smaller baking dishes).  Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  

Reduce heat to 325F degrees.  After completely cooled, cut into 2-inch bars and place on a non-greased baking sheet.  Return to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and transfer bars to a wire rack to cool.  When completely cool, wrap individually and take a couple along for a post work-out treat!

Makes about 2 dozen bars.

NOTE:  Krave Pineapple Orange jerky creates a sweeter finish, while Krave Chipotle Jerky gives the bars a little punch!