Easy Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These no-bake granola bars are quick, easy, and perfect for on-the-go snacks. They have a chewy texture with a rich peanut butter flavor balanced by toasted oats and a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats, toasted
- 1 cup (250g) natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (170g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
- ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rolled oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden and nutty. Let cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, honey, and light brown sugar. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth and glossy (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled toasted oats with optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Stir to blend evenly.
- Pour warm peanut butter mixture over oats and mix quickly but thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until sticky but not runny.
- Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Transfer mixture to pan and press firmly into an even layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and firm up the bars.
- Lift the block out using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars (about 2×3 inches each). Store extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Do not overheat the peanut butter mixture to avoid scorching. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Chill bars for at least 2 hours for best texture. Use natural creamy peanut butter for better binding. Optional add-ins should be limited to about ½ cup total to maintain bar cohesion. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure mix-ins are vegan-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 2x3 inc
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake granola bars, peanut butter bars, chewy granola bars, quick snacks, easy granola bars, healthy snacks, peanut butter snack