Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe
These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a deliciously chewy and nutty snack, packed with the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, crunchy peanuts, and creamy peanut butter. Sweetened naturally with honey and molasses, and topped with mini peanut butter cups plus a drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter, these bars make a perfect on-the-go treat or post-workout snack. They require no baking and are quickly set in the freezer or refrigerator for a simple, no-bake bar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnishes
- 3 tablespoons melted chocolate
- 3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later, and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts. Stir them together and set this oat mixture aside.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the natural creamy peanut butter, pure honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir frequently, warming the mixture gently until it is well combined and warm but not boiling, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Press: Remove the peanut butter mixture from heat immediately and pour it into the bowl containing the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir until everything is thoroughly combined. Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Allow the granola mixture to cool slightly, then press the mini peanut butter cups into the top surface, distributing them evenly over the bars.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut Bars: Remove the chilled granola slab from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut the slab into 8 equal-sized bars.
- Garnish: If desired, immediately drizzle the bars with melted chocolate and then with melted peanut butter. Since the bars are cold, these drizzles will set quickly, adding a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
- Store and Serve: Enjoy the bars right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut oats, for the best texture and binding.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped regular peanut butter cups if mini-sized are unavailable.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold together well.
- The bars are best stored in the refrigerator as they contain natural peanut butter and honey which soften at room temperature.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- The chocolate and peanut butter drizzle is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch and extra flavor.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Granola Bars, No Bake Granola Bars, Healthy Snack, Peanut Butter Cup Bars, Gluten Free Snack
