Description
These homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious breakfast option made with creamy natural peanut butter, honey, oats, and delightful mix-ins like mini chocolate chips and pepitas. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick on-the-go snack or a healthy start to your day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter, or cashew butter
- ⅔ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons pepitas, or crushed peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the granola bars after chilling.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir the mixture until smooth and fully blended to ensure even flavor throughout.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas or chosen nuts. At first, the mixture may appear dry, but continue stirring firmly; it will begin to come together as you mix.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the back of a measuring cup or spatula to press and flatten the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pressed mixture for at least 1 hour until it firms up enough to cut into bars properly.
- Slice and Store: Once chilled, remove from the fridge and slice into bars of your desired size. Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use very smooth natural peanut or cashew butter for best texture.
- You can substitute pepitas with crushed peanuts or cashew nuts depending on your preference.
- Mini chocolate chips add a sweet touch but can be omitted or replaced with dried fruit for a different flavor.
- Chilling time is essential for the bars to set properly. Do not skip this step.
- Store granola bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
