Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

Hey fellow snack enthusiasts! Let me introduce you to the ultimate DIY granola bars that are basically your favorite childhood snack, all grown up and way more delicious.

I love creating recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, and my Peanut Butter Granola Bars are the perfect snack. With rolled oats as a fiber-rich base, crispy rice cereal for texture, and natural peanut butter for protein, these bars are a wholesome treat.

I like adding honey and vanilla for natural sweetness, while optional ingredients like chopped nuts and dried fruit boost flavor and nutrients.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Rolled oats: Rich in fiber, providing lasting energy and supporting digestion.
• Crispy rice cereal: Adds a light, crunchy texture to balance the chewy elements.
• Natural peanut butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, adds creaminess.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that blend, adding caramel-like depth.
• Chopped nuts: Provide protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunchy texture.
• Dried fruit: Offers natural sweetness and chewy texture, plus added nutrients.
• Chocolate chips: Optional indulgence adding sweetness and rich flavor notes.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, or cashews)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips (if using), and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.

4. Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

5. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.

6. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until all the dry ingredients are well coated with the peanut butter mixture.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with the spatula or your hands.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

10. Once cooled, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into bars. Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8 inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small saucepan
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. Wire rack
10. Sharp knife

FAQ

• Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter? Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut or seed butter of your preference.
• Is there a way to make these granola bars vegan? Absolutely! Use maple syrup in place of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Can I skip the brown sugar? Yes, the recipe will still be sweet enough with just the honey or maple syrup.
• How should I store these granola bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Can I make these granola bars gluten-free? Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
• What is the purpose of the crispy rice cereal? The crispy rice cereal adds a pleasant crunch to the bars, making them more enjoyable to eat.
• Can I omit the chocolate chips? Yes, they are optional. You can also substitute them with extra nuts or dried fruit.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Rolled oats: Substitute with quinoa flakes or puffed rice for a different texture.
• Natural peanut butter: You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives.
• Honey or maple syrup: Agave nectar or coconut nectar can be used as sweeteners.
• Brown sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or omit if looking for a less sweet option.
• Chopped nuts: Try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting Nuts and Oats Before combining the dry ingredients, consider toasting the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice depth to your granola bars.

2. Peanut Butter Consistency If your peanut butter is too thick and difficult to stir, you can microwave it for a few seconds before combining it with the honey or maple syrup. This will make the mixing process easier and ensure even coating of the dry ingredients.

3. Press Firmly When transferring the mixture into the baking pan, press down very firmly to prevent the bars from crumbling once they are cut. Using the back of a measuring cup is a helpful tool for this step.

4. Mix-in Variations For added flavor and texture, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture. You can also try different add-ins such as shredded coconut or seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition.

5. Chill Before Cutting After cooling at room temperature, place the granola bar pan in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This helps the bars firm up further and makes them easier to slice cleanly.