Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars are simple to make. You need just a few main ingredients. Rolled oats create a hearty base. Peanut butter adds creaminess and protein. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the bars. Dark chocolate chips give a rich taste. - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) - 1/4 cup flaxseeds - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt You can customize your bars with these add-ins. Chopped nuts add crunch and flavor. Flaxseeds boost the nutrition. A touch of vanilla makes the bars smell amazing. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. - Baking pan (8x8 inch) - Parchment paper - Large saucepan - Spatula You will need some basic equipment. An 8x8 inch baking pan works well for this recipe. Parchment paper helps with easy removal. A large saucepan is perfect for mixing the ingredients. A spatula makes it easy to combine everything. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy making these delicious bars! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. First, make sure your oven is hot. This helps the granola bars bake evenly. The parchment paper will help you lift the bars out easily later. - Combine peanut butter and honey in a saucepan. - Stir until blended and warmed through. In a medium saucepan, add your peanut butter and honey. Heat it on low. Stir until they mix well and get warm. This step makes it easier to blend with other ingredients. - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. - Add rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and flaxseeds. Take the pan off the heat. Now, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Next, add the rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and flaxseeds. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Pour your mixture into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Press it down firmly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for golden brown edges, which show they are ready. - Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. - Use parchment overhang to remove and cool completely. - Cut into squares or bars. Let the pan cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut it into squares or bars. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! You can find the Full Recipe above. To make the best granola bars, you can adjust the sweetness. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, use less. I often mix different nut butters for added flavor. Try almond butter or cashew butter along with peanut butter for a fun twist. It’s key to pack the mixture tightly in the pan. This helps the bars hold together well. After baking, let them cool for enough time. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. I usually wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before lifting them out of the pan. For a nice touch, wrap each bar in parchment or foil. It makes them look great and keeps them fresh. You can also add ribbons if you gift them. This small detail makes your homemade bars feel extra special for friends and family. {{image_2}} You can change up your granola bars for fun. Try adding coconut to the chocolate chips. The sweet coconut pairs well with the chocolate. For a fruity twist, mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. These add a chewy texture and a burst of flavor. If you need a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. This swap gives a similar taste without nuts. You can also leave out any nuts completely. This makes a lighter snack that is still tasty. To make these granola bars gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. This simple change helps those with gluten sensitivities. For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the bars sweet and delicious without any animal products. For the full recipe, check out the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars recipe to get started on these tasty treats! To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay soft and tasty. I suggest using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This way, each bar remains easy to grab and enjoy. These granola bars should last up to one week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. The cool air helps to maintain their freshness and flavor for a few more days. If you want to save some for later, freeze individual bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. When you're ready to eat one, simply thaw it at room temperature. It will taste just as good as when you first made them! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Yes, you can easily make these bars nut-free. Just substitute peanut butter with seed butter, like sunflower seed butter. Also, omit any nuts from the recipe. This way, you still get a tasty treat without the nuts. To make these bars vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup will give the same sweetness without using animal products. This small swap keeps the bars delicious and plant-based. If you want to try something different, use quinoa flakes or puffed rice instead of oats. Both options give a unique texture. They are great substitutes that keep the bars tasty. You can tell the bars are done when you see golden brown edges and a firm center. This shows they are baked through. Be sure to check them around the 15-minute mark for the best results. In this post, we covered how to make delicious granola bars. We discussed key ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. You learned how to mix them, bake, and cool them for perfect bars. I shared tips for flavor and texture, plus storage ideas. These bars are easy to customize and great for snacks. Enjoy making your own tasty treats!$

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Indulge in homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars that are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on the go! With just simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips, these easy-to-make bars come together in just 35 minutes. Discover the full recipe and tips for a delicious presentation that makes a great gift. Click through to explore how to create these tasty treats!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

1/4 cup flaxseeds (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until thoroughly blended and warmed through.

Combine Mixtures: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add the rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and flaxseeds (if using) to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press the mixture evenly into the pan, making sure it's tightly packed.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Cool: Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, lift out using the parchment overhang and cool completely on a wire rack.

Cut into Bars: Once fully cooled, cut into squares or bars as desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 12 Bars

- Presentation Tips: Wrap each granola bar in parchment paper or clear wrap and tie with a ribbon for a beautiful, homemade gift presentation! Enjoy them as a healthy snack or breakfast on the go!