Granola bars are the ultimate grab-and-go snack, but store-bought versions often come with extra sugars, preservatives, or a less-than-satisfying texture. These homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars solve that problem with a soft-baked texture, wholesome oats, and the nutty richness of natural peanut butter.
What makes these bars even better? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples, come together in under 20 minutes, and are naturally gluten-free. Add chocolate chips for a classic combo, or mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to make them your own.
Perfect for kids’ lunch boxes, post-workout snacks, or afternoon pick-me-ups, these bars are healthier than store-bought yet taste like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Only 5 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of baking.
- Customizable – Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
- Gluten-Free & Flexible – Use GF oats; swap eggs for flax egg if vegan.
- Wholesome & Satisfying – A snack that actually keeps you full.
Ingredients (Makes 16 Squares)
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¾ cup natural peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (honey helps bind better)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 whole eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan option)**
- Optional add-ins: pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted), walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit
* If peanut butter is solid, microwave 10–15 seconds to soften.
** Flax egg = 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (per egg).
Directions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and any add-ins. Mix until well combined.
3. Press into Pan
Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly—this helps bars stick together. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and press lightly into mixture.
4. Bake
Bake 15–17 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Start checking at 14 minutes.
5. Cool & Slice
Place pan on a cooling rack. Let bars cool completely before cutting into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.
Tips for Success
- Press mixture very firmly in the pan—this helps prevent crumbling.
- Use honey if you want bars to hold together better.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a dessert-like touch.
Variations
- Nut-Free – Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Protein – Stir in protein powder.
- Tropical Twist – Add shredded coconut and dried pineapple.
- Chocolate Lovers – Mix cocoa powder into the oats.
FAQ About Peanut Butter Granola Bars
1. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes—substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the bars will be softer and less chewy.
3. Can I make these without chocolate chips?
Absolutely—leave them out or replace with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
4. Why are my bars crumbly?
Make sure to press the mixture firmly and allow it to cool completely before cutting. Using honey instead of maple syrup also helps bind better.
5. Are these healthy?
Yes! They’re naturally sweetened with honey/maple syrup and made with whole oats, peanut butter, and optional nutrient-dense add-ins.
Wrapping It Up
These Peanut Butter Granola Bars are chewy, chocolatey (if you want), and full of wholesome goodness. With just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can make a batch of soft-baked snack bars that are healthier—and tastier—than anything you’ll find at the store.
Keep them handy for lunch boxes, travel, or busy days—you’ll always have a satisfying snack ready to go.
The Goods
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
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Recipes
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
- ¾ cup natural peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup honey helps bind better
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional
- 2 whole eggs or 2 flax eggs for vegan option**
Optional add-ins: pinch of salt (omit if peanut butter is salted), walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and any add-ins. Mix until well combined.
Press into Pan
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly—this helps bars stick together. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and press lightly into mixture.
Bake
- Bake 15–17 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Start checking at 14 minutes.
Cool & Slice
- Place pan on a cooling rack. Let bars cool completely before cutting into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
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