Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own snacks. These Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars are not only easy to whip up but also packed with wholesome ingredients that the whole family will love.
With a delightful combination of oats, peanut butter, and just the right touch of sweetness, you’ll have a tasty treat ready to go in no time.
Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go, a post-workout snack, or a lunchbox addition, these bars will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 200
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why I Love This Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
I absolutely adore this recipe because it hits all the right notes: delicious, fulfilling, and quick to make! There’s something wonderful about the warm aroma of oats and peanut butter filling your kitchen. Homemade granola bars not only taste a hundred times better than store-bought, but you can customize them to your liking. I love that I can experiment with different nuts or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. Plus, they make a perfect snack for busy days—just grab one and you’re set!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but easy to work with.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Extras
Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips or dried fruit, if you’re using them. This is where you can get creative—feel free to adjust according to your preferences!
Step 4: Spread and Press
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to ensure the bars hold together when baked. A firm press will create a dense, chewy texture that’s just right.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. You’ll know they are done when your kitchen smells heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Store them in an airtight container—if they last that long!
Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these granola bars as a snack at any time of day. Pair them with a cup of almond milk or a smoothie for a healthy breakfast!
- Flavor Swaps: If you’re allergic to peanuts, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
- Mix It Up: Experiment with different add-ins like coconut flakes, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added nutrition.
- Sweetener Alternatives: You can substitute honey with agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Another amazing way to enjoy oats with the addition of chocolate chips!
- No-Bake Granola Bars: Simple and delicious, these bars skip the oven altogether for an easy treat.
- Nut-Free Seed Bars: Perfect for school lunches and packed with nutrition.
- Trail Mix Energy Bites: These bites are full of energy-boosting ingredients that can power you through your day.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These granola bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. They make a fantastic snack after a workout or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. For a tasty twist, serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or alongside some fresh fruit. If you’re looking for a drink pairing, a smoothie or a refreshing iced tea would complement the wholesome flavors beautifully.
Storage and Leftovers
Store your Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, try refrigerating them—they’ll last for about two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months! When you’re ready to eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Helpful Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Rolled oats give a chewier bite.What can I substitute for peanut butter?
Almond butter, sunbutter, or even cashew butter all work well!Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, they can easily be gluten-free.How do I know when my granola bars are done?
Look for a golden color around the edges. They will set as they cool!Can I add protein powder to the mix?
Absolutely! Just replace a small portion of the oats with protein powder to keep the balance.
These Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars are your go-to recipe for wholesome, delicious snacks. Enjoy making them and savor every bite!
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy-to-make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, ideal for a quick snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips or dried fruit, if you’re using them.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to ensure the bars hold together when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges.
- Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or refrigerate for two weeks. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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