Description
These Peanut Butter Granola Bars are a delicious, soft-baked snack packed with oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Optional mini chocolate chips add a delightful indulgence, making these bars a perfect gluten-free and wholesome treat that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use verified gluten-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 whole eggs (use flax egg for vegan-friendly)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted)
- Walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit (optional add-ins)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the granola bars.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, natural peanut butter (warmed if solid), honey or maple syrup, eggs, and any optional add-ins including chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Prepare baking dish: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Press mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the lined pan. Press the mixture down firmly in an even layer; a firm press helps the bars hold together well. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle on top and press gently into the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until the center is set and the edges start to brown. Begin checking at 14 minutes as ovens vary.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Cut bars: Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut the baked mixture into 16 even squares. Serve and enjoy your homemade granola bars.
Notes
- These bars are naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key for bars that stick together well.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting prevents crumbling.
- Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 64 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
