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Easy No-Bake Homemade Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips

easy no-bake granola bars - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake granola bar recipe using simple pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a wholesome, portable snack without the need for an oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (about 180g)
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (about 250g)
  • ⅓ cup honey (about 113g)
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (about 90g), semi-sweet preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, about 60g), such as almonds or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal or chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (250g) natural creamy peanut butter with ⅓ cup (113g) honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended. Warm peanut butter slightly if too stiff. (3 minutes)
  3. Stir in 2 cups (180g) rolled oats, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and any optional add-ins like ½ cup chopped nuts or 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal. Mix thoroughly to coat all dry ingredients. (3 minutes)
  4. Gently fold in ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix to avoid melting the chips. (1 minute)
  5. Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or hands. (5 minutes)
  6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely. Overnight chilling is better. (120 minutes)
  7. Once set, lift the block out using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 10-12 bars or squares. (5 minutes)

Notes

Use natural peanut butter for best texture and flavor. Press mixture firmly into the pan to avoid crumbly bars. Chill for at least 2 hours to set properly. Avoid overmixing chocolate chips to prevent melting. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, homemade granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars, easy snack, peanut butter granola bars, healthy snack, no oven snack