Grab-and-go goodness awaits.
Not only are these no-bake peanut butter granola bars, but they are also FULL of yummy peanut butter and chocolate flavor that both kids (and adults!) will love.
While the first batch of these no-bake peanut butter granola bars may have ended up in a crumble of shame, I did not let that deter me. To get the best recipe, you have to test, tweak, and repeat!
So I bumped up the liquid-to-dry ratio and voila! Perfectly chewy, no-bake peanut butter granola bars were born, and they couldn’t be any easier to make.
This easy recipe is SO much better than store-bought granola bars, and with filling ingredients, you can feel good about eating them. They are the perfect snack for busy afternoons, road trips, or just as a simple energy boost.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Maple syrup. You really need a liquid sweetener for this recipe, like maple syrup or honey. Avoid dry sugars, as the bars won’t set correctly.
- Peanut butter. My personal preference is creamy Jif. However, you can use any brand. For natural peanut butter, make sure you give it a good stir before using. Also, you may need to add a little more oil to get the right consistency. Allergic to peanuts? Swap out the peanut butter for a super smooth and creamy almond or cashew butter.
- Coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a slightly sweet taste, but you can also use butter if you prefer.
- Oats. Old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking oats can be used, but avoid steel-cut.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Make the base.
Combine the maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener) with the creamy peanut butter and coconut oil in a small saucepan. Over medium-low heat, stir everything until smooth and well mixed.
Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
Stir in the oats and nuts.
Combine the oats and chopped peanuts in a large mixing bowl. You want enough space to really mix the ingredients.
Carefully pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and nuts and use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together.
Let the mixture come to room temperature, then stir in the mini chocolate chips. If it’s too hot, the chips will melt.
Make the bars.
Use a piece of parchment paper to line a 9-inch square baking pan. This will ensure the bars come out easily and aren’t greasy.
Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan and use your fingers or a spatula to press it evenly into the dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight.
For the best results, cut the peanut butter granola bar recipe in the pan. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for the best results.
FAQs
To keep your homemade granola bars together, use the correct ratio of liquid to dry ingredients. Be sure to add enough liquid sweetener, nut butters, or oils to the oats and nuts.
You can put just about anything in homemade granola bars. The most common ingredients are oats, peanut or other nut butters, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, nuts, and dried fruit.
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup peanut butter* smooth
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups oats old-fashioned, gluten-free if needed
- ⅔ cup peanuts salted, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the Base: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat combine maple syrup, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir for 2-3 minutes, or until ingredients are smooth and well incorporated. Turn off the heat and add vanilla extract. Stir to combine.6 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ⅓ cup peanut butter*, ⅓ cup coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir in Oats and Nuts: In a large bowl combine oats and chopped peanuts. Add peanut butter sauce to bowl and mix well. Wait until ingredients have cooled to room temperature and add chocolate chips. Stir until just combined.2 cups oats, ⅔ cup peanuts, ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- Add to Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Press granola bars mixture firmly into the dish. Refrigerate granola bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
- Cut granola bars in the tray for best results. Store in the refrigerator between servings and enjoy!
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Notes
- Oats: Rolled oats will give the best texture to these bars.
- Chocolate chips: Don’t stir the chocolate chips into the hot oat mixture or they’ll melt.
- Parchment paper: Line the baking dish for easy removal of the bars.
- Add-ins: Add other mix-ins of your choice, like flaked coconut, dried fruit, Medjool dates, other favorite nuts, or cacao nibs.
- Storage: These bars are best kept in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Other After-School Snack Ideas
Everyone seems to be hungry when they get home from school. Thankfully, there are so many easy recipes to fill them up.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
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Ranch Seasoned Pretzels
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Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
30 mins
Air Fryer Apple Chips
15 mins
How much is one serving size?
Hi Morgan! One serving is one bar if the entire recipe is cut into 12 bars.
Thank you soooo much for this web. This is a big help to cooking fanatics like me! Your recipes inspires us a lot and helps us to be the best cook in town. God bless and More Power!!!
Yay!! So happy you are enjoying the recipes. Thanks so much for your kind comment!
These look gorgeous!!
Thanks so much, Caroline!