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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Perfect for Lunchboxes

no-bake peanut butter granola bars - featured image

These easy no-bake peanut butter granola bars are quick to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and are perfect for lunchboxes or snacks on the go. They combine creamy peanut butter, honey, and oats for a wholesome, delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180 g)
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (250 g)
  • ⅓ cup honey (113 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, 90 g)
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional, 60 g)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter and ⅓ cup honey. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute total), or melt gently in a small saucepan over low heat.
  3. Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the warm peanut butter and honey mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups old-fashioned oats, optional ½ cup chopped nuts or seeds, and optional ½ cup mini chocolate chips. Stir to distribute evenly.
  5. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats mixture. Mix with a spatula or sturdy spoon until everything is well coated and sticks together.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or clean hands.
  7. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set. Alternatively, chill in the freezer for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
  8. Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares.
  9. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Warm the peanut butter and honey mixture to help bind the bars better. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well. Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal. If bars are crumbly, melt peanut butter longer or add more honey; if too sticky, add more oats. Substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut allergies. Use maple syrup or agave for vegan option. Certified gluten-free oats needed for gluten-free bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, granola bars, lunchbox snack, easy recipe, healthy snack, quick snack, homemade granola bars