Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

$- 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - ¼ cup almond or coconut flakes - ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans) - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt The ingredients for peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars are simple yet delicious. Each item plays a key role in the flavor and texture. First, rolled oats form the base of our bars. They provide a hearty texture and are rich in fiber. Peanut butter adds creaminess and protein. You can choose smooth or crunchy based on your taste. Next, honey or maple syrup gives the bars sweetness and binds everything together. I love using maple syrup for a vegan option; it adds a unique flavor. Chocolate chips are a must for that rich taste. You can pick semi-sweet or dark, depending on how sweet you want them. Almond or coconut flakes add a nice crunch. Chopped nuts add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. This combination makes for a delightful treat that you will want to enjoy again and again! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flakes, and chopped nuts. - In a small pan, melt peanut butter with honey or maple syrup. Stir until smooth. - Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat blend. - Mix well to coat all oats and nuts. - Gently fold in the chocolate chips. - Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Press it down firmly. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan. - Once cool, lift the granola out using the parchment paper. - Cut into squares or rectangles as you like. - Store in an airtight container for up to a week. To make the best granola bars, pack the mixture tightly in the pan. This helps them hold together when you cut them. If you like a chewier bar, bake for the shorter time. For a crunchier texture, bake a bit longer until the edges turn golden brown. You can switch peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a new flavor. If you want a vegan option, use agave syrup instead of honey. Both swaps keep the taste great and offer a unique twist. Serve your granola bars with fresh fruit or a glass of milk. This adds nutrition and makes for a satisfying snack. For a nice touch, arrange the bars on a platter. Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top for a fun look. {{image_4}} You can make your granola bars even better by adding spices. Try a bit of cinnamon for warmth. Nutmeg works well too for a cozy touch. You can also mix in dried fruits. Cranberries add a nice tartness, while raisins bring sweetness. Both add flavor and chewiness to your bars. If you need nut-free options, use seeds instead of nuts. Sunflower seeds give a great crunch. Pumpkin seeds are another tasty choice. You can also try nut-free nut butter. Sunflower seed butter is a perfect swap. It keeps the creamy texture but is safe for those with nut allergies. Chocolate lovers can play with their choices. Dark chocolate offers a rich flavor, while semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic. If you want a chunkier texture, use chocolate chunks instead of chips. They melt less and give you big bites of chocolate. To keep your granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. This prevents them from going stale. You can store them at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. This keeps them firm and fresh for up to two weeks. Freezing is a great way to save your granola bars for later. First, cut them into squares or rectangles. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply take it out of the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to thaw. This way, you can have a tasty treat whenever you want! Homemade granola bars stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. Refrigerated bars can last up to two weeks. The cool air helps prevent spoilage and keeps them tasting great. Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free! Just use gluten-free rolled oats. Many brands offer oats that are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy these tasty treats without worry. To boost the nutrition of your granola bars, think about adding protein powder. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder blends well. You can also toss in seeds like chia or flax for extra crunch. These additions make the bars more filling and fun to eat. These granola bars are easy to make with simple ingredients. We covered their nutritional info, baking steps, and helpful tips. You can even customize them with different flavors or substitutes. In the end, these bars are a healthy and fun snack for everyone. Enjoy experimenting and make these treats your own. They are perfect for sharing or storing for later. Enjoy your baking!$

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Whip up delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips for a tasty treat that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast on-the-go. Follow our step-by-step guide for a nutty, chewy delight that everyone will love. Click through to explore more and get the full recipe for these irresistible granola bars!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)

¼ cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option, use maple syrup)

½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, for extra richness)

¼ cup almond or coconut flakes (for added texture)

¼ cup chopped nuts (choose from almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty crunch)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor enhancement)

Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some excess paper on the sides to help with easy removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flakes, and chopped nuts. Use a spoon or spatula to mix them well together, ensuring an even distribution of all the dry ingredients.

In a small saucepan, over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat blend. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until all oats and nuts are completely coated with the peanut butter mixture.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without melting too much.

Carefully transfer the mixture into the lined baking pan. Utilize the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly, making sure it is packed tightly and evenly spread across the pan.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn a golden brown for a perfect texture.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving the right firmness.

After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole block of granola out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

To store, place the granola bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. For prolonged freshness, refrigerate them.

Vorbereitungszeit: 10 Minuten | Gesamtzeit: 30 Minuten | Portionen: 12 Riegel

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars neatly on a serving platter and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top for a decorative touch. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of milk for a wholesome snack!