No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe
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, healthy 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.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 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.
- Toppings. Finely chopped salted peanuts and mini chocolate chips are classic ingredients, but you can change it up if you’d like. Want to decrease the sugar load? Cacao nibs will substitute for the mini chocolate chips.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.
1. 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 it is smooth and well-mixed.
Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
2. 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.
3. Make the Bars
Use a piece of parchment paper to line a 9-inch square baking pan. This will ensure the bars come out easy and aren’t greasy.
Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan and use your fingers or the spatula to evenly press it 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.
Are granola bars healthy?
Depending on the ingredients, granola bars can be a healthy snack in a pinch. Be sure to look for a store-bought variety or homemade recipe with less added sugar and good-for-you ingredients, like whole-grain oats, healthy fats, and nuts—like these no-bake bars!
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.
Other After School Snack Ideas
Everyone seems to be hungry when they get home from school. Thankfully, there are so many healthy recipes to fill them up.
Air Fryer Kale Chips are surprisingly addicting. Or make your own Ranch Pretzels.
The whole crew will love these Sheet Pan Nachos.
You can also whip up some Homemade Tortilla Chips with Guacamole or Roasted Beet Hummus.
More Granola Recipes
Granola isn’t just for hikers! Try any of these delicious recipes and tips next:
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup peanut butter* smooth
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp. 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 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, ⅓ cup peanut butter*, ⅓ cup coconut oil, 1 tsp. 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
- Be old-fashioned. Rolled oats will give the best texture to these bars.
- Wait for it. Don’t stir the chocolate chips into the hot oat mixture or they’ll melt.
- Prep your pan. Line the baking dish for easy removal of the bars.
- Get creative. Add other mix-ins of your choice, like flaked coconut, dried fruit, Medjool dates, other favorite nuts, or cacao nibs.
- Stay fresh. These bars are best kept in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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!