Introduction

These homemade easy peanut butter granola bars are a perfect on-the-go snack that combines wholesome oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. They’re simple to make, customizable with your favorite add-ins, and great for satisfying your sweet tooth without any guilt.

Homemade Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

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
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
2 whole eggs (use flax egg for vegan-friendly**)
Optional add-ins: pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted), walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. If your peanut butter is solid at room temperature, warm it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
Step 3: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and press it firmly into an even layer. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top and press them into the bars.
Step 5: Bake for 15-17 minutes until the center is set and edges begin to brown. Start checking at 14 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
Step 6: Remove from oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 16 squares with a sharp, non-serrated knife.

Tips & Variations

Use a nut butter with a drizzly consistency to prevent dry bars; nut or seed butter works well as a peanut-free alternative.
For vegan bars, replace eggs with flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before adding.
If bars have trouble binding with maple syrup, try using honey for extra stickiness.
Add 1/2 cup protein powder and reduce oats by 1/2 cup for a protein boost.
Feel free to swap or add nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes! Use a seed butter like sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit any nut add-ins. Make sure your other ingredients are free from cross-contamination.

How do I cut the bars without them crumbling?

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and press down firmly without dragging to get clean cuts.

Homemade Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

These Homemade Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made with rolled oats, natural peanut butter, honey, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips and nuts. With a chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and protein, they are great for breakfast on the go or a wholesome snack.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use verified gluten-free, if needed)
3/4 cup natural peanut butter (preferably with a drizzly consistency)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (honey recommended for better binding)
2 whole eggs (or flax eggs for vegan-friendly version)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Optional Add-ins

Pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted)
Walnuts, pecans, or almonds (to taste)
Chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds (to taste)
Dried fruit (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the granola bars.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter (heat briefly if solid), honey or maple syrup, eggs (or flax eggs), and any optional add-ins. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Press Mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the lined pan. Firmly press the mixture into an even layer; the firmer you press, the better the bars stick together. Sprinkle optional chocolate chips on top and press them gently into the bars.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, checking at 14 minutes. The center should be baked through, and edges just starting to brown.
Cool Bars: Remove from oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Let bars cool completely, which helps them set properly before cutting.
Cut Bars: Using a sharp, non-serrated knife, cut into 16 even squares. Avoid dragging the knife; instead, press it straight down for clean cuts.
Serve & Store: Store granola bars in an airtight container. Enjoy as a healthy snack or breakfast option!
Review: Leave a review and rating to share your experience with the recipe.

Notes

Use a nut butter with a drizzly consistency to prevent dry bars. Substitute with seed butter for peanut-free version.
For vegan-friendly bars, replace 2 eggs with flax eggs: mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 5 tbsp water, let set for 5-10 minutes before mixing.
Cut bars with a sharp, non-serrated knife by pressing down, don’t drag to prevent crumbling.
You can cut into 12-14 longer bars instead of 16 squares; note nutritional differences.
If bars don’t bind well with maple syrup, try using honey for stickier results.
Add 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored) and reduce oats by 1/2 cup for a protein boost.

Keywords: peanut butter granola bars, homemade granola bars, healthy snack, easy granola bars, no bake granola bars, vegan granola bars substitute, gluten-free snack