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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) - 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries or raisins) To make these granola bars, you need simple and tasty ingredients. First, rolled oats form the base. They give the bars a chewy texture. Next, creamy peanut butter adds richness and flavor. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweetener and helps bind everything together. Brown sugar brings extra sweetness and depth. Vanilla extract adds a warm note, while salt balances the sweetness. Mini chocolate chips give a delightful burst of chocolate. Finally, chopped nuts and dried fruit add crunch and chewiness. Feel free to get creative with your choices! - Other nuts or seeds: Try walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added crunch. - Dried fruit alternatives: Use raisins, apricots, or figs to change the flavor. - Healthier sweetener options: Swap honey for agave syrup or use stevia for less sugar. Adding these options can make your granola bars even more fun and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 3. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir well to combine. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. 2. Heat this mixture over low heat. Stir it for about 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and the sugar dissolves. 3. Pour this smooth peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. 4. Use a spatula to mix everything together. Make sure all the dry parts get coated well. 5. Wait a moment for the mixture to cool slightly. Then, stir in the mini chocolate chips. This keeps the chips from melting. 6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly. Make sure it spreads evenly into the corners. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. 2. When done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. 3. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and place them on a cutting board. 1. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. 2. Once cool, cut them into bars or squares as you like. 3. Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. - For a fun presentation, wrap each bar in parchment paper. Tie them with string for a cute snack. - Pair these bars with yogurt for breakfast or enjoy them with a smoothie for a quick lunch. - Watch the baking time. If you overbake, the bars may become hard. If you underbake, they can crumble. - Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ones. This helps every bite have the same flavor. - If you need nut-free options, use sun butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter. - For a vegan twist, swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. Pro Tips Use Natural Sweeteners: For a healthier option, consider using pure maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar. This will give your bars a delightful flavor while reducing refined sugar content. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to mix and match the nuts and dried fruits according to your taste preferences. Chopped dates, pumpkin seeds, or even shredded coconut can add unique flavors and textures. Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting is crucial. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape, making them easier to handle. Storage Tips: To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. You can also freeze them for up to three months! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your granola bars easily. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give them a warm and inviting taste. Just a pinch can make a big difference! You can also try using other nut butters like almond or cashew. Each nut butter has its own flavor, so it changes the whole bar. Do you prefer crunchy or chewy granola bars? You can adjust the texture by how long you bake them. For a crunchy bar, bake a bit longer. For a chewier bar, take them out when they are just golden. You can also mix in crispy rice or puffed quinoa. These add a fun crunch and keep the bars light. Seasonal ingredients can keep your bars fresh and exciting. In the fall, try adding pumpkin seeds or dried apples. In the summer, use dried mango or fresh berries if you can. Each season brings new flavors to explore! Mixing in seasonal nuts or fruits can make your granola bars unique and delicious. To keep your peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture out. For short-term storage, you can leave them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will help prevent freezer burn. These granola bars will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Look for signs that the granola bars have gone bad. If you see mold, an off smell, or a change in texture, it’s best to throw them away. To freeze granola bars properly, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy them as a quick snack or breakfast! You can replace peanut butter with other nut butters or seed butters. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well. Use the same amount for best results. Mix it with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Yes, you can! Just choose gluten-free oats. Make sure any other ingredients, like nuts and dried fruit, are certified gluten-free. This way, you keep it safe for those with gluten issues. To cut granola bars, use a sharp knife. Let the bars cool fully first. This helps them hold together better. For clean cuts, you can warm the knife slightly. This makes cutting easier. I recommend using rolled oats for texture. Quick oats can make the bars too soft. If you only have quick oats, reduce the baking time. Check for doneness sooner to avoid overbaking. To keep your bars together, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Let them cool completely before cutting. If they still fall apart, try adding more peanut butter or a bit of water to help bind them. In this post, we covered how to make easy and tasty granola bars. We went through the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best results. Remember, you can customize these bars to fit your tastes with different nuts and fruits. Making granola bars is fun and simple. With a few changes, you can make them just how you like. Enjoy your homemade snacks for lunch or as a quick breakfast! They are a great way to feel good and stay full.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Delicious homemade granola bars packed with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 third cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 half cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 half cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 quarter cup chopped nuts (e.g. almonds or walnuts)
  • 1 quarter cup dried fruit (e.g. cranberries or raisins)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to make pulling out the bars easier later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until thoroughly coated.
  • Stir in the mini chocolate chips once the mixture has cooled slightly (to avoid melting the chips).
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly into the corners.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan onto a cutting board.
  • Cut into bars or squares as desired.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.

Notes

Wrap the individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a string for a delightful on-the-go snack!
Keyword chocolate chip, granola bars, peanut butter, snack