No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Quick and easy no-bake granola bars combining creamy peanut butter, honey, and toasted oats for a chewy, wholesome snack perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (toasting oats, optional)
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup (250g) peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/3 cup (113g) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup (43g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the oats (optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread oats on a baking sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through until light golden and nutty.
- Warm the peanut butter and honey: Combine peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth and pourable (about 40-60 seconds). Alternatively, warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the warm peanut butter and honey mixture until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add toasted oats, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and mini chocolate chips if using.
- Mix wet and dry together: Pour peanut butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until every oat is coated and mixture is sticky. Add more honey or peanut butter by teaspoon if too dry.
- Press mixture into pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper. Transfer mixture and press firmly into an even, compact layer.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until bars are firm to the touch.
- Cut and serve: Lift bars out using parchment paper edges and slice into 10-12 bars.
Notes
[‘Toasting oats adds a deeper flavor and pleasant crunch but can be skipped if short on time.’, ‘Warm peanut butter and honey just enough to blend smoothly; too hot can loosen bars.’, ‘Press mixture firmly into pan to avoid crumbly bars; using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup helps.’, ‘Use parchment paper for easy removal and less mess.’, ‘Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.’, ‘Add-ins like nuts or dried fruit should be balanced to avoid fragile bars.’, ‘Chilling is essential for bars to hold shape well.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 10 b
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, granola bars, quick snack, healthy snack, homemade, easy recipe, kid-friendly, gluten-free