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Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

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These Peanut Butter Granola Bars are chewy, satisfying, and packed with creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, chocolate chips, and crunchy peanuts. They are an easy make-ahead breakfast or grab-and-go snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup chopped peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed, optional

Instructions

  1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Add the oats, cinnamon, salt, chopped peanuts, and chia seeds or ground flaxseed, if using, to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
  3. Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring until smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Remove the peanut butter mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated.
  6. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it very firmly into an even, compact layer.
  8. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until completely firm.
  9. Use the parchment paper to lift the chilled granola mixture from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
  10. Cut into 12 bars and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Press the granola mixture very firmly into the pan so the bars hold together after chilling and cutting.
  • For chocolate peanut butter bars, add extra chocolate chips or drizzle the chilled bars with melted chocolate.
  • For a peanut butter and jelly variation, add finely chopped dried strawberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
  • Chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, raisins, dates, or other dried fruit can be used as additional mix-ins.
  • Another nut or seed butter can replace the peanut butter, although the final consistency may vary.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • For longer storage, wrap individual bars and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • No reheating is necessary. Serve chilled for a firmer texture or allow a bar to sit briefly at room temperature for a softer, chewier texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/peanut-butter-granola-bars-recipe/