• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Meal Prep Meal Prep Snacks
4.41
/5
22 minutes

Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars (no bake)

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegetarian Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard23 Comments
Posted: 8/13/20 Updated: 11/2/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Chewy peanut butter granola bars made with healthy ingredients and no refined sugar! Full of peanut butter flavor, easy to prepare (no oven required!) and perfect for a healthier treat.

Granola bars are a staple in our house, and I love making my own from scratch. With 7 homemade granola bars on my site, we have a repertoire of flavors, but I find myself coming back to these chewy peanut butter granola bars time and time again.

a stack of Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Chewy and full of peanut butter flavor, these homemade granola bars are so simple to prepare, and I love knowing exactly which ingredients go into them.

The kids love them, and they are a delicious healthier treat to keep stored away in the fridge.

Reasons you'll ♡ peanut butter granola bars

  • they are made with healthier ingredients and you know exactly what goes into them
  • they are simple to prepare and can be into your fridge in just 20 minutes
  • they are chewy and full of peanut butter flavor!

Recipe video

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these granola bars. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

Don't forget to pin this recipe to save it for later!

simmering honey and coconut oil to make healthy granola bars

Ingredients you'll need

  • peanut butter- make sure to use all natural peanut butter (aka: made from just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt). Avoid anything with added ingredients like oils, as this will prevent the bars from setting properly.
  • coconut oil- I use refined coconut oil, as this does not have a strong coconut flavor
  • honey- which helps to sweeten and bind the bars. Unfortunately maple syrup does not work in this recipe and other liquid sweeteners have not been tested.
  • vanilla extract- adds depth of flavor
  • rolled oats- which may also be called large flake or old fashioned oats. Avoid steel cut or quick oats.
  • almonds- optional, to add nutrition and texture to the bars.
  • chocolate chips- mini chocolate chips work best in this recipe as they help distribute the chocolate flavor throughout the bars and are not hard to chew when cold, unlike the regular sized ones.

Recipe tips

Avoiding dirty dishes

For this recipe, I've weighed out all the ingredients for you. This means that you can simply place your saucepan onto a kitchen scale, and pour the honey, coconut oil, and peanut butter directly into the pot, rather than struggling to scrape them into and out of measuring cups.

The most important step

The critical step in these ranola bars is to simmer the honey, peanut butter and coconut oil. This helps thicken the honey, making the bars stick together. If you skip this step, you should expect crumbly bars.

Combine the three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. When the mixture starts bubbling (as shown in the photo above), start your timer for exactly 1 minute. When the time is up, remove the pot from the heat, stir in the vanilla and salt, and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Parchment trick

For these granola bars, it is necessary to line a baking dish with parchment paper to help get them out once they are set. If you struggle getting parchment to stay put in the pan, here's my trick:

  1. cut parchment to fit the pan
  2. spritz the pan with a bit of oil --> this helps the parchment stay put so you can work it into the corners
  3. secure with binder clips

Extra flay-vah

If you want to take extra time to get even more flavor out of these granola bars, take a few minutes to toast your oats and almonds in the oven. Here's how to do it:

  • heat oven to 350°F
  • spread oats and almonds out on a baking sheet
  • toast for 10-15 minutes until oats are golden and fragrant and almonds are lightly browned

a stack of four of peanut butter granola bars

FAQ

Can I swap the peanut butter for almond butter?

Yes! You can swap for any all-natural nut butter. Make sure it is well-stirred and drippy, and that the only ingredients are the nuts (and maybe some salt).

Can I make these granola bars vegan?

Unfortunately, maple syrup does not work to bind these bars, and I have not tried any other liquid sweeteners.

What else can I add to these granola bars?

Feel free to swap the almonds for your favorite nuts or seeds. You can also add in dried cranberries or blueberries, cinnamon, or other add ins. Find 7 granola bars here!

How long do these granola bars last?

Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for 1-2 months.

granola bars in a glass storage container

More healthier sweet snacks

  • Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
  • 36+ Healthy Snack Recipes
  • Snickerdoodle Almond Butter Granola Bars
  • Monster Granola Bars
  • Homemade Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars
  • Chocolate Tahini Oat Bars
  • Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of a stack of chewy peanut butter granola bars

Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

4.41 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Print Rate
Chewy peanut butter granola bars made with clean ingredients and no refined sugar! Full of peanut butter flavor, easy to prepare (no oven required!) and perfect for a healthier treat.
12 bars

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup honey 98 g
  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter 64 g
  • ¼ cup coconut oil 52 g; refined coconut oil recommended
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ½ cup almonds coarsely chopped; 70 g
  • 2 cups rolled oats 184 g
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips plus extras for sprinkling on top (45 g + 18 g)

Instructions 

  • Line an 8 x 8 inch baking sheet with parchment or foil (use spray oil on the foil) and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, peanut butter and coconut oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring until everything is melted and smooth.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and salt, and allow to cool 10-15 minutes. *note 1
  • Once the pot has cooled slightly, stir in the almonds, rolled oats and chocolate chips.
  • Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly using a spatula. It is important to press it down very firmly, and spraying the spatula lightly with oil helps prevent everything from sticking. *note 2
  • Sprinkle tops with a few extra mini chocolate chips and refrigerate the bars for minimum of 2 hours.
  • Cut into bars and store in a large container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

1- Make sure to take the time to simmer the mixture for 1 minute! This is extremely important in helping the bars stick together.
2- if bars are too warm to press down thoroughly, place in the fridge for 10 minutes, then press them down a second time.
Storage
Store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days *this is important as the bars soften at room temperature.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Toasting the oats + almonds
If you'd like to add extra flavor, you can:
  • heat oven to 350°F
  • spread oats and almonds out on a baking sheet
  • toast for 10-15 minutes until oats are golden and fragrant and almonds are lightly browned
 

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 31mg, Potassium: 130mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 10IU, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • overhead shot of snickerdoodle almond butter granola bars sliced in a row
    Snickerdoodle Almond Butter Granola Bars
  • rows of no bake peanut butter crunch cereal bars
    No-Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
  • Overhead shot of four monster granola bars in a row
    Monster Granola Bars
  • a spatula picking of a slice of no bake snack bars
    No Bake Snack Bars
overhead shot of sweet potato noodles with avocado sauce in a bowl
Previous Post
Sweet Potato Noodles with Avocado Sauce
collage image that says 10 mason jar salads
Next Post
10 Healthy Mason Jar Salad Recipes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. PJ says

    Posted on 4/2/21 at Posted on 4/2/21

    Hi,
    Would crunchy peanut butter work in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 4/19/21 at Posted on 4/19/21

      Hi PJ! That should be just fine! Hope you enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sara says

    Posted on 8/14/20 at Posted on 8/14/20

    5 stars
    This is our go to recipe! Love it!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 8/14/20 at Posted on 8/14/20

      I'm so happy to hear this, Sara! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

      Reply
  3. Renae says

    Posted on 1/22/19 at Posted on 1/22/19

    I’m looking to amp up protein in my snacks. Anyway I could add a scoop of protein power in this mixture?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/22/19 at Posted on 1/22/19

      Hi Renae! I wish I knew, but unfortunately I haven't tried. I do have a tried & tru protein bar recipe here: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/homemade-protein-bars/

      Reply
  4. Lindsay says

    Posted on 12/11/18 at Posted on 12/11/18

    Trying this now! You forgot the salt and vanilla in the printable directions.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 12/16/18 at Posted on 12/16/18

      Thanks for catching that! Updated! Hope you enjoy them 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jonathan says

    Posted on 12/2/18 at Posted on 12/2/18

    2 stars
    While I applaud the idea, I didn't find these enjoyable. The flavor of the coconut oil competed too much with the peanut butter, and left an odd aftertaste that just didn't jive with "Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars ".

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 12/3/18 at Posted on 12/3/18

      Hey Jonathan, did you by chance use unrefined/virgin coconut oil? I find that has a very strong flavor and for that reason I only use refined coconut oil. I haven't tried these with virgin coconut oil but maybe I should make a note on the recipe card if that's what you used. Thanks and sorry you didn't enjoy.

      Reply
      • Jonathan says

        Posted on 12/6/18 at Posted on 12/6/18

        Extra Virgin & Unrefined. That may well have been the issue, so a note of distinction may be a good idea.

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 12/10/18 at Posted on 12/10/18

          Thank you so much for reporting back! I'm going to make a note on the recipe card. Thanks 🙂

          Reply
  6. Christine says

    Posted on 9/24/18 at Posted on 9/24/18

    Can I use vegetable oil in place of coconut oil?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/18 at Posted on 9/25/18

      Hi Christine! Not in this recipe. You *may* be able to swap for butter, although I haven't tested.

      Reply
  7. Morgan says

    Posted on 8/24/18 at Posted on 8/24/18

    5 stars
    I have made two batches of these delicious bars this week and my family loves them! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/27/18 at Posted on 8/27/18

      I'm SO happy to hear this, Morgan! I am sharing seven no bake granola bars this weekend. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂

      Reply
  8. Deirdre Lloyd says

    Posted on 6/10/18 at Posted on 6/10/18

    Can you use almond butter?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/13/18 at Posted on 6/13/18

      Hi Deirdre! That should work fine. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  9. Cara says

    Posted on 4/16/18 at Posted on 4/16/18

    Sound delicious! Any thoughts on a substitute for the honey? I love it, but shouldn't have it.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 4/17/18 at Posted on 4/17/18

      Hi Cara, I will need to retest at some point and determine whether maple syrup holds them together properly. An earlier batch I did try this and they crumbled, but also I was skipping the simmering step. I wish I could be of more help 🙂

      Reply
      • Cara says

        Posted on 4/17/18 at Posted on 4/17/18

        Thank you Denise. Honey does have unique properties.:-) I'll think about it too and maybe come up with something. If I do, I'll comment. I"m not very familiar with alternate natural sweeteners at this point.

        Reply
  10. Barbara says

    Posted on 4/16/18 at Posted on 4/16/18

    These sound really good. I think instead of chocolate chips I might use butterscotch pieces.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 4/17/18 at Posted on 4/17/18

      THat sounds great! If you can find mini butterscotch chips, even better! The mini chips are helpful in keeping the bars held together 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2023 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons