Description
These homemade granola bars are a quick and easy no-bake snack that combines creamy natural peanut butter, honey, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas for a delicious and nutritious treat. Perfect for a healthy snack or on-the-go energy boost, these bars can be prepared in just five minutes and chilled to set.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter
- ⅔ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons pepitas (or crushed peanuts or cashews)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the granola bars from sticking and to help with easy removal after chilling.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas (or chosen nuts) to the wet mixture. Initially, it may appear dry, but continue stirring until the mixture comes together evenly.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly to compact it. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the back of a measuring cup to flatten and smooth the surface evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up properly.
- Slice and Store: Once chilled and set, remove the parchment paper from the pan, slice the mixture into 8 bars, and store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute pepitas or sunflower seeds instead of peanuts or cashews.
- You can replace mini chocolate chips with dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure natural peanut butter is creamy and smooth for easier mixing.
- Pressing firmly into the pan helps maintain bar shape when slicing.
- Keep bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
