Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet honey with crunchy oats and roasted peanuts, topped with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a healthy snack or on-the-go breakfast, these bars are easy to make and require no baking, setting in the fridge to firm up the perfect chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup roasted salted peanuts
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, unsalted butter, and dark brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Once melted, let the mixture bubble lightly for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and creamy peanut butter until all ingredients are fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and roasted salted peanuts into the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oats are fully coated and no dry patches remain.
- Press Into the Pan: Spoon the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula or the bottom of a greased measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a compact bar texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Let the mixture cool slightly, about 10 minutes, then gently press the mini chocolate chips into the top using the bottom of a measuring cup for even distribution.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the granola bars to firm up completely.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the bars from the fridge, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, place on a cutting board, and cut into desired shapes and sizes. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture and binding.
- To make these bars nut-free, substitute peanuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds and use a seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can omit chocolate chips or replace them with dried fruit for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to help bars hold together well.
