No-Melt Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Easy to make, no-bake granola bars loaded with rolled oats, peanut butter, and customizable ingredients for a healthy snack.
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Natural peanut butter is recommended.
- 1/3 cup honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips Optional; can be left out for a lower sugar version.
Instructions
Preparation
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and crispy rice cereal, mixing them gently to distribute evenly.
Cooking
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the peanut butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm mixture over the oats and crispy rice cereal, stirring until everything is coated thoroughly.
Assembly
- Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even bars.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the mini chocolate chips, so they don’t melt completely.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until firm to slice easily.
- Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or bars.
Notes
Press the mixture down firmly to ensure the bars hold together once cut. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For added nutrition, consider mixing in sunflower seeds or chia seeds along with the oats.