The Best Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe: Sweet & Crunchy Joy

Homemade peanut butter granola bars pack a delightful punch of flavor and nutrition.

Crafting these wholesome bars with creamy peanut butter creates a snack that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Rolled oats and honey blend seamlessly to create a chewy, delectable treat.

Packed with protein and natural sweetness, these bars offer a perfect energy boost for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Customize the recipe with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added excitement.

Each bite promises a delicious balance of wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste.

Whip up a batch and watch these bars become an instant favorite in your kitchen.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Snack Essentials

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these granola bars a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks who want a fast snack solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs, creating a versatile treat.
• Pack Nutritious Punch: Homemade bars offer better control over ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier alternative to store-bought versions with whole food components.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: These bars appeal to children and adults alike, making them an excellent snack for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or quick energy boosts during busy days.

Ingredient List for PB Granola Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy protein-rich spread that helps bind the granola bars together and provides a rich, nutty flavor.
• Oats: A hearty whole grain that forms the primary structure of the granola bars and adds nutritional value.

• Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that help hold the bars together and add a delightful depth of sweetness.

• Chocolate Chips, Nuts, Seeds: Optional ingredients that provide extra texture, crunch, and flavor variation to the granola bars.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds a warm, aromatic touch to the overall taste profile.
• Salt: A small amount that balances and intensifies the other flavors in the granola bars.

How to Make Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F.

If your peanut butter is thick and solid, zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it nice and drizzly.

Step 2: Create the Magical Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all your ingredients.

Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended and looks super yummy.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Surface

Grab a 9×9 inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper.

Make sure the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 4: Shape Your Bars

Scoop the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Use your hands or a spatula to press down firmly and create an even, compact layer.

If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top and gently press them into the mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-17 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden-brown edge and a fully set center.

Start checking around the 14-minute mark to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.

Let the bars cool completely – this is crucial for getting clean, perfect cuts.

Use a sharp knife to slice into 16 beautiful squares.

Tips for Chewy, Tasty Bars

• Microwave peanut butter for 10-15 seconds to achieve a smooth, drizzly consistency for easier mixing and better bar texture.
• Use extra pressure when pressing the mixture into the pan to ensure compact, sturdy granola bars that hold together well.
• Start checking bars at 14 minutes to prevent overcooking, looking for lightly browned edges and a set center.
• Allow bars to cool entirely on a rack to help them set and make clean, precise cuts without crumbling.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the bars for an extra sweet touch without disrupting the base mixture.

Variations for Peanut Butter Granola Bars

• Almond Butter Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and suitable for those with peanut allergies.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap honey with maple syrup and use plant-based protein powder to create a completely vegan-friendly granola bar option.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Substitute regular oats with certified gluten-free oats and add quinoa flakes for extra protein and texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Seed Lover's Version: Mix in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to increase nutritional value and add a diverse seed crunch to the original recipe.

Serving Granola Bars On-the-Go

• Sweet Morning Fuel: Pack these bars in lunch boxes for a tasty breakfast or quick energy boost during school or work.
• Outdoor Adventure Snack: Wrap individually for hiking, camping, or road trips as a protein-packed portable treat that keeps hunger at bay.
• Dessert Transformation: Crumble bars over yogurt, ice cream, or smoothie bowls for added crunch and nutty flavor that elevates simple desserts.
• Gifting Delight: Stack bars in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts that show personal care and culinary creativity.

Storing Peanut Butter Granola Bars

• Store these homemade granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep them cool to maintain their crisp texture and prevent softening.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
• If eating within 2-3 days, store bars in a sealed container at room temperature. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Always ensure bars are completely cool before storing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy and reduce their shelf life.

FAQs

• Are these granola bars healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and optional add-ins such as nuts or seeds, providing protein, fiber, and energy for your day.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?

Press the mixture very firmly into the pan and let them cool completely before cutting. This helps the bars hold their shape and stay intact when sliced.

• What can I substitute for peanut butter?

You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter as alternative nut butter options that will work similarly in this recipe.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars offer a delightful blend of wholesome oats, nutty peanut butter, and sweet honey. Crisp, chewy, and packed with energy, these bars provide a perfect snack for busy mornings or afternoon cravings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups (700 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats (use verified gluten-free, if needed)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 2 whole eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)

Mix-ins and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mini chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted)

Optional Add-ins:

• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Almonds
• Chia seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dried fruit

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and soften the peanut butter by microwaving for 10-15 seconds until easily drizzleable.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of components.
3. Carefully line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
4. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared pan, using firm, consistent pressure to create a compact, uniform layer.
5. If using chocolate chips, gently sprinkle them across the surface and press them lightly into the mixture.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, monitoring closely after 14 minutes to ensure the center is fully set and edges are lightly golden.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack, allowing the granola bars to cool completely at room temperature.
8. After cooling, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan.
9. Using a sharp knife, slice into 16 precise squares, creating uniform granola bars for serving.

Notes

• Warm peanut butter slightly to achieve a smooth, easy-to-mix consistency that helps bind ingredients perfectly.
• Use quick-cooking oats for a softer texture, ensuring the bars hold together without crumbling when cut.
• Press mixture extremely firmly into the pan to create dense, compact bars that won’t fall apart during handling.
• Customize by swapping peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free or different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg