Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars are quick and easy to make, full of rich peanut butter flavor, and perfect for a healthy snack. No baking required!
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 424kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup +2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats pulsed in a food processor for about 6 seconds
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal brown or white
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp golden flaxseed meal optional
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, then set it aside.NOTE: I prefer criss-crossing the parchment for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave on medium power (I did 5) for 1 minute, then stir and repeat. Remove from the microwave, add the vanilla, and whisk vigorously until smooth. Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, almonds, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the cooled peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a large spatula, fold the ingredients together until no dry spots remain, then pour in all but 1 tablespoon of the chocolate chips.NOTE: It's okay if the chocolate chips melt a little bit—it adds more flavor to the bars! Mix until combined, then pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours. Remove from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 rectangular bars or 12 squares.
Notes
-Swap the chocolate chips for extra nuts, dried fruit, or seeds for a different texture and flavor.
-Almond butter makes a great substitute for peanut butter and blends perfectly in this recipe.
To STORE your No Bake Peanut Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
If you’d like to store them for an even longer period, wrap individual bars in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 12serving | Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg
