Description
These easy no-bake granola bars are the perfect healthy snack made with pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. They require zero baking skills, are ready in minutes, and can be customized with various add-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, honey, and peanut butter. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and combined.
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add the rolled oats and chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Fold everything together quickly until every oat is coated. If the mixture becomes too stiff, return to low heat for 30 seconds.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Wet your hands with water or oil and press the mixture firmly and tightly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for 45 minutes) until the bars are completely set.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper sling. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cut into 12 bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
For best results, press the mixture tightly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution. If using almond butter, add an extra 1/4 cup of oats as it is thinner. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and butter with plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake, granola bars, healthy snack, peanut butter, chocolate chip, oat bars, meal prep, easy recipe