Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These easy no-bake chocolate peanut butter granola bars are a quick, wholesome snack combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate without any baking required. Perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or a simple homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (250g) natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar)
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 3/4 cup (135g) mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts or seeds (optional, e.g., toasted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Optional: Toast the oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth and easy to mix (about 1 minute total). Alternatively, warm gently over low heat on the stove.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt into the warm peanut butter mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine oats and optional chopped nuts or seeds. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats.
- Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until oats are evenly coated and mixture is sticky and thick.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips gently to distribute without melting them.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly with a spatula or hands (use parchment paper or wet hands to avoid sticking).
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until bars are firm enough to cut.
- Lift the set mixture from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 10-12 bars with a sharp knife.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Warming the peanut butter and honey helps the mixture blend smoothly and hold together better. Toasting oats is optional but adds a nuttier flavor. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to avoid crumbly bars. Chill for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean slices. Use mini chocolate chips to prevent melting during mixing. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 1
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake granola bars, peanut butter granola bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, quick snacks, homemade granola bars, easy snack recipe