Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These chewy peanut butter granola bars are soft, perfectly chewy, and incredibly easy to make—no baking required. Made with simple pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and honey, they hold together beautifully and stay fresh for days. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, quick breakfasts, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Granola Bar Base
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ –½ cup chopped nuts or seeds
- ¼ cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, etc.
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, add butter, brown sugar, honey, and peanut butter.
- Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add rolled oats and mix until fully coated.
- Let mixture cool slightly, then fold in chocolate chips or other add-ins if using.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.
- Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Refrigerate 1–2 hours until fully set.
- Lift out using parchment paper and slice into bars.
Notes
- Pressing the mixture firmly is key to bars that hold together.
- Use low heat only—overheating makes bars hard instead of chewy.
- Creamy peanut butter works best for binding; very runny natural PB may cause crumbling.