Chocolate Mint Clif Bars { Homemade Protein Bar Recipe }

I am relatively new to the world of power/protein bars.  I tried a couple a few years ago, and they tasted like cardboard, so I gave up.  But more recently, I decided to give them a try again.  I have been searching for something healthy, and filling I could eat for breakfast.  I found the Cool Mint Clif Bars, and was really impressed.
I think the same week I tried the Clif Bars, Michelle from Brown Eyed Baker posted a no-bake recipe for Clif Bar from scratch.  I knew I had to try them immediately, but with mint extract and some cocoa powder.  These are super easy to throw together.  There is no baking required, so in a matter of minutes you can be snacking on these.  Probably best to wait longer so they completely harden, but you get the idea.
These are not exactly like the store bought ones, but they sure are good.  They are healthy, full of whole grains, and a relatively good for you snack.  I haven’t run the nutritional information, so I don’t know how they compare the original.  I do know that you can feel good about eating all of the ingredients in here, so they can’t be too bad for you.

Chocolate Mint Clif Bars
Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

1 cup prunes (dried)
1¼ cups Rice Krispies
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbls ground flaxseed
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cocoa powder
½ cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp mint extract
¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Drizzle (optional)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 drop mint extract
1 tsp milk

Line an 8 inch baking pan with foil, and spray with non stick spray.
Using a food processor, pulse the prunes until they are finely chopped.  In a large bowl mix together the prunes, Rice Krispies, oats, flax seed, cocoa powder and salt.
In a small saucepan, over medium heat, mix together the peanut butter and honey.   Heat until melted, and well combined, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat, and stir in the mint extract.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the prune mixture and stir until well combined.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Spread into the prepared pan, and press firmly to pack it down.
Prepare the drizzle (if using).  In a small bowl combine the sugar, mint, and milk.  Stir until thin and easy to drizzle, adjust the milk and sugar if necessary.  Drizzle over the bars.  Place in the fridge and allow to harden for about an hour before cutting.
Cut, and store in an air tight container for about a week.