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Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

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These Peanut Butter Granola Bars are a quick and easy homemade snack combining wholesome oats, natural peanut butter, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Enhanced with optional mini chocolate chips and nuts or seeds, these bars are baked to a perfect chewy texture and make a delicious, nutritious treat for any time of the day.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use verified gluten-free if needed)
  • ¾ cup natural peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 whole eggs (or flax eggs for vegan-friendly)

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted)
  • Optional add-ins: walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the granola bars.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, natural peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and any optional add-ins you prefer. If the peanut butter is solid or thick, heat it briefly for 10-15 seconds to achieve a smoother consistency to mix more easily.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will help you easily remove the bars after baking without sticking.
  4. Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined granola mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Press Mixture Firmly: Use your hands or the back of a spatula to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together well after baking.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: If using mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top and press down gently to embed them into the bars.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, checking at 14 minutes to avoid overbaking. The bars are done when the center is set and edges are lightly browned.
  8. Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely to firm up.
  9. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the granola into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy as a wholesome snack.

Notes

  • You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan option, but honey helps the bars stick better.
  • Flax eggs can be used as an egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and set to gel).
  • Pressing the mixture firmly in the pan is key to bars that hold together well.
  • Checking the bars a few minutes before the minimum baking time helps prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry bars.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/peanut-butter-granola-bars-recipe/