These Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars go beyond being just a snack—they’re a total game-changer for busy mornings and mid-day hunger! I can’t even count how many times these no-bake beauties have come to the rescue in our house. Sweet, salty, chewy, and just the right amount of indulgent, these bars are everything I love in a wholesome treat. They’re easy enough for a weeknight prep session, kid-approved, and made with simple pantry staples. If you’re looking for something that feels like dessert but fuels you like breakfast—this is it.
Let’s get into it!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make 12 delicious bars:
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¼ cup honey
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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⅓ cup dark brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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2 ½ cups rolled oats
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½ cup roasted salted peanuts
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¼ cup mini chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Step 1: Prep your pan
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting later. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, butter, and brown sugar. Gently stir from time to time until the butter fully melts and the sugar blends in smoothly. Let it bubble gently for one minute while stirring.
Step 3: Stir in flavor
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla, salt, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add oats and peanuts
Pour in the oats and roasted peanuts. Mix everything together until fully coated—no dry oats hiding in there!
Step 5: Press it down
Scoop the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the bottom of a greased measuring cup to press it down firmly. This helps the bars hold their shape.
Step 6: Top with chocolate
Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. Press them gently into the surface so they stick.
Step 7: Cool and cut
Let the bars chill for at least 2 hours. Lift them out using the parchment flaps, slice them up, and boom—snack time!
Helpful Tips
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Press firmly! Don’t be shy—press the mixture down well so the bars hold together.
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Wait to add chocolate chips until the base cools slightly to prevent melting into a puddle.
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Cut with a sharp knife for cleaner edges—bonus points for a hot knife!
Substitutions & Variations
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Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter and swap peanuts for pumpkin seeds.
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Want more fiber? Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the oat mix.
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Amp up the fun: Mix in some dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Totally! It’ll add a little extra texture and crunch.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but they’ll stay firmer if kept chilled.
Storage Instructions
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week—or pop them in the fridge to keep them even longer (up to 2 weeks). Wrap them individually and pop them in the freezer—they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw a few minutes before eating!
More Healthy Snack Recipes to Try
FAQs About Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Want to make a bigger batch? Just double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can sub with coconut sugar or regular white sugar, though the flavor may change slightly.
These no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars are the kind of snack that makes life a little easier—and a lot tastier. Let me know if you try them, and tag me so I can see your creations. Happy snacking!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars (No-Bake & Kid-Approved!)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars are the ultimate make-ahead snack or on-the-go breakfast! Sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy all in one bite, they’re made with wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of love. Perfect for kids, meal prep, and anyone who wants something delicious and satisfying without turning on the oven!
Ingredients
¼ cup honey
¼ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup roasted salted peanuts
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
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In a medium saucepan, combine honey, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble gently for 1 minute while stirring.
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Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and peanut butter until smooth.
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Add the rolled oats and peanuts to the saucepan and stir until everything is well coated—no dry oats left behind!
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula or greased measuring cup to press the mixture down firmly and evenly.
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Cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. Gently press them into the surface so they stick.
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Chill for at least 2 hours. Lift out using the parchment, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Notes
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Pressing the mixture down firmly is key to making sure the bars hold their shape!
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For best results, wait a few minutes before adding the chocolate chips so they don’t melt too much.
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These freeze beautifully—perfect for stocking up for busy weeks!
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Want more variety? Toss in dried fruit, chia seeds, or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (Cooling Time: 2 hours)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 261
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg