If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts easy, nourishing, and positively addictive, look no further than these No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars. Combining the irresistible duo of peanut butter and honey with whole-grain oats, crunchy nuts, and melty chocolate chips, these bars are always in high demand in my kitchen. Whether you want something to fuel you after a workout, tuck into school lunches, or just silence that afternoon snack craving, these bars deliver it all—without ever firing up the oven!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars is how delightfully straightforward the ingredients are. Each component pulls its weight, offering texture, flavor, or a nutritional boost, so you’ll savor every chewy, chocolate-studded bite.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: Classic oats create the perfect chewy foundation and add wholesome whole-grain goodness.
Creamy peanut butter: Acts as the glue that holds these bars together and infuses them with nutty richness.
Honey or maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness and helps bind the mixture while lending subtle floral or caramel notes.
Chopped nuts (almonds or peanuts): These provide irresistible crunch and extra protein; toast them first for even more flavor!
Mini chocolate chips: Dotted throughout for gentle bursts of chocolate; mini chips distribute especially well in every bite.
Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional): For added fiber, omega-3s, and a pleasing little crunch—totally optional, but highly recommended.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the overall flavor and gives these snack bars a warm, homey aroma.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it! A little salt enhances all the sweet, nutty flavors and keeps the bars from tasting flat.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on the sides. This extra parchment acts as convenient handles, so you can easily lift out the chilled bars when they’re ready to slice—no sticky disasters or broken corners!

Step 2: Warm Up the Peanut Butter and Honey

Place the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup if you prefer) in a medium saucepan. Gently heat them over low flame, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth, slightly runny, and blended. This not only makes everything easier to mix, but also ensures the bars hold together perfectly once chilled.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in your vanilla extract and that important pinch of salt. The residual warmth helps the flavors meld, giving the final bars a slightly toasty, deeply nutty undertone.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, ground flaxseed or chia seeds (if using), and mini chocolate chips. Mixing the dry ingredients beforehand means the chocolate chips aren’t exposed to direct heat—helping them keep their shape when you add the warm peanut butter mixture.

Step 5: Stir Together and Press

Pour the warm peanut butter blend into the dry ingredients, then stir well until everything is evenly coated and combined. Transfer the sticky (and delicious-smelling!) mixture to your prepared pan, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands. Really pack it in; this is what ensures your bars stay together and don’t crumble later. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours, so everything sets up firm.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once chilled, grab those handy parchment “handles” and lift your slab of granola bars out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares—whatever size you like! They’re ready to nibble, wrap up, or store away for all your snacking needs.

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a pinch of flaky sea salt on the bars right after pressing them into the pan. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a handful of dried cranberries makes every bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are fantastic alongside a yogurt parfait, fresh fruit smoothie, or a crisp apple. They pair just as beautifully with a morning coffee as they do with a big glass of cold almond milk for an after-dinner dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper for grab-and-go convenience, or arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh berries and more nuts for an inviting display at brunches or potlucks. For lunchboxes, tuck them in silicone baking cups for a fun, colorful touch that keeps them separate from other snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars at their best by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, firm, and delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! Layering parchment or wax paper between bars prevents them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch, these bars freeze beautifully. Place the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If they’ve been in the freezer, allow them to thaw for 10-15 minutes on the counter before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Absolutely! While old-fashioned rolled oats give extra texture and chew, quick oats will work in a pinch and create a slightly softer, more compact bar. Just keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as hearty.

How can I make these granola bars vegan?

Simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and double-check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it super easy to keep these bars vegan-friendly.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If allergies are a concern or you want a change, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are wonderful alternatives. Each offers a subtle twist in flavor, but the overall chewy, nutty satisfaction is the same.

Can I add mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut?

Go for it! Dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or shredded coconut all make fantastic additions. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar so the bars still hold together well.

Are No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as not all oats are processed in gluten-free facilities. All of the other ingredients listed here are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with these No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars—each time I make them, I’m reminded how much flavor and satisfaction you can pack into such a simple snack. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your kitchen; I can’t wait for you to discover your own favorite way to enjoy them!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are a delicious and simple snack option that requires no oven time. Packed with oats, peanut butter, nuts, and a hint of chocolate, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the granola bars:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or peanuts)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the base: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Combine peanut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt.
Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips. Pour peanut butter mixture over and stir.
Set the bars: Press the mixture into the pan evenly. Chill for at least 2 hours.
Serve: Cut into bars and store refrigerated.