Peanut Butter Granola Bars: A Delicious Family Snack!

These peanut butter granola bars come together in about 30 minutes and require no baking a perfect recipe for busy weeknights that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ recipe to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, who doesn’t love a healthy treat that’s customizable and so simple to whip up?

Ingredient Breakdown

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 2 whole eggs
  • Optional add-ins : a handful of walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or even some dried fruit

Let’s Get Cooking!

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. If your peanut butter is solid at room temperature, heat it for 10-15 seconds to make it a more drizzly consistency before adding it to the mix.
  3. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper. This makes it much easier to remove the bars once baked, trust me on this one!
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish or pan. Give it a good press! Very firmly press the mixture into the pan in an even layer, the firmer you press, the better the bars will stick together. If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top and then press them down into the bars.
  5. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the center is baked through and the edges are just starting to brown. Start checking at 14 minutes, as all ovens are different.
  6. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack.
  7. Let the bars cool completely, this is so important, before cutting them into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
Peanut Butter Granola Bars

And poof! You’ve made your own peanut butter granola bars!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I want something homemade that feels like a real treat without all the guilt. I mean, who doesn’t love a snack that’s indulgent yet healthy? I’m a real sucker for anything peanut butter, and these bars just hit the spot every time! Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick grab-and-go option, these bars deliver tons of flavor and comfort food vibes. Plus, since you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, it’s totally versatile!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Strawberry Yogurt Bites, my Peanut Butter and Cheerio Bars, or my Homemade Healthy Marshmallows!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect snack option to whip up after a busy day.

Customizable

One of my favorite aspects of these bars is how you can easily mix and match ingredients based on what you have, the whole family will love them! You can make these bars your very own.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These bars are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready for lunches or after-school pickups. Plus, they stay fresh for days.

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients means this recipe won’t break the bank. You can feel good about making a healthy choice without a hefty price tag.

Crowd-Pleaser

From kids to adults, everyone in the family is bound to love these. They’re a hit at gatherings and are fantastic for packing in lunchboxes or for a quick breakfast.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

These granola bars can be enjoyed by themselves or paired with yogurt or fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast. They also make an excellent afternoon snack alongside your favorite tea or coffee!

Storage

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about one week. You can also keep them in a cool, dry place at room temperature for a few days.

Reheating

If you enjoy your bars warm, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just long enough for the chocolate chips to get all melty and gooey again.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature, and they’re good to go!

So there you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to making quick and easy peanut butter granola bars that are loaded with wholesome ingredients and tons of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a breakfast option, or a fun treat to share, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy every delightful bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These quick and easy peanut butter granola bars are a delicious and customizable snack that can be made in under 30 minutes with no baking required.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats Use gluten-free oats if needed.
  • 3/4 cup natural peanut butter Can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup Honey provides better binding.
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Dried fruit can be substituted if no chips are available.
  • 2 whole eggs Can use a flax egg as a vegan substitute.
Optional Add-Ins
  • to taste pinch of salt Omit if using salted peanut butter.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds For added crunch.
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds or sunflower seeds For extra nutrition.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
  3. If peanut butter is solid, heat it for 10-15 seconds to make it drizzly.
  4. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and press firmly into an even layer.
  2. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, if using, and press them down.
  3. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the center is baked through and edges start to brown.
  4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack.
  5. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Bars can be stored in an airtight container for about a week. They can be frozen for up to three months and reheated in the microwave.

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