Monster Granola Bars

5 from 2 votes

Monster granola bars loaded with peanut butter, mini M&M’s, and mini chocolate chips. Made in one pot, no baking required. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and meal prep friendly!

Prep Time19

Cook Time1

Chilling time2

Total Time2 20

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

⅓ cup coconut oil refined coconut oil recommended; 74 g; note 1
½ cup honey 156 g; note 2
⅓ cup all natural peanut butter 84 g; almond butter works great, too; note 3
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
3 cups rolled oats 284 g; note 4
½ cup almonds coarsely chopped; note 5
½ cup mini M&M's
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips 18 g

Instructions

Simmer - Combine honey, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer, and once the pot starts bubbling up all over (see image at top of post), start the timer for 1 minute.
Cool - When time is up, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Let it cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare baking dish - While the pot is cooling, prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper (secure with binder clips to make the process easier).
Combine - Stir in rolled oats, chopped almonds, mini M&M's (reserve some for the top) until evenly coated and press into the prepared pan. Sprinkle tops with reserved M&M's and mini chocolate chips.
Form - Spray a spatula with oil and press down into the pan. Press firmly (I go through and press 2-3 times, spraying spatula again as needed).
Chill - Cool in the fridge for 2 hours- overnight (overnight is best!), before slicing into bars.
Slice - Slice into 12 bars. These bars are best stored in the fridge as they can soften up when stored at room temperature.

Notes

we recommend using refined coconut oil so the bars don't have a strong coconut flavor. Liquid oils may not be swapped.
Maple syrup does not work in these bars
all-natural peanut butter must be used, but you can also swap for almond butter if you prefer!
may also be called 'old fashioned' or 'large flake' oats; do not use quick oats or steel cut oats for this recipe.
could be swapped for your favorite nut such as walnuts or pecans

Storage

These monster granola bars MUST be stored in the fridge, otherwise, they become too soft and will crumble.

fridge - stored in an airtight container, they are good for 1 week in the fridge.
freezer - wrap loosely in parchment paper, and place in a meal prep container or sturdy freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition