Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

[ad_1]

These chocolate peanut butter granola bars are chewy, straightforward to make and maintain collectively properly. They’re vegan, gluten-free and excellent for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.

I really like granola bars, but it surely’s at all times a battle to search out ones on the retailer with a easy ingredient checklist that aren’t loaded with added sugar and preservatives. That’s why I choose to make my very own at residence! I have already got a couple of granola bar recipes on the weblog, however at present I’m sharing my favourite one so far: chocolate peanut butter granola bars!

Not solely are these granola bars made with easy, healthful components, however they’re really easy to whip up and means cheaper than shopping for store-bought bars. Plus, you’ll be able to by no means go unsuitable with the combo of peanut butter + chocolate, am I proper?!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate + peanut butter = greatest combo ever!
Gluten-free, vegan and may simply be made nut-free with a couple of easy swaps!
They’re no-bake, so no want to show in your oven.
These bars don’t have protein powder, in order that they’re excellent for kiddos!
Nice for meal prep and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients measured out to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars: oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, peanuts, dark chocolate, salt, vanilla and peanut butter.

Elements Wanted

quaint rolled oats – offers the bottom for these granola bars and add a chewy texture. They’re additionally a great supply of fiber! Be sure to seize gluten-free oats if wanted. I exploit Bob’s Crimson Mill gluten-free rolled oats.
drippy peanut butter – provides a creamy, nutty taste and helps to bind every thing collectively. Plus, it provides protein to those bars! You need to use pure, drippy peanut butter not a thick peanut butter unfold. I normally go for the shop model and browse the label to verify it has only one or two components, the nuts and salt. Any pure creamy nut butter will work. A few of my favourite manufacturers are the Wild Associates peanut butter and 365 natural creamy peanut butter.
maple syrup – the right liquid sweetener for these granola bars. You too can use honey when you choose.
chopped peanuts – for some crunch and added protein! I choose to make use of uncooked peanuts, however be happy to make use of roasted and salted peanuts if that’s what you might have readily available.
darkish chocolate chips – I like to recommend Take pleasure in Life mini chocolate chips that are allergen-friendly or Lily’s chocolate chips as a result of they’re low in sugar and energy. Be happy to additionally chop up your favourite chocolate bar and toss the chocolate chunks in!
chia seeds – add a lift of vitamins, together with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
vanilla extract – a taste enhancer.
sea salt – only a pinch! If you happen to’re utilizing salted peanuts it’s possible you’ll need to go away this out.

Substitutions

Peanuts and peanut butter: If you happen to’re allergic to peanuts or just don’t have any readily available, you should utilize one other sort of nut or seed as an alternative. Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and pepitas are all nice choices. The identical goes for peanut butter. You possibly can swap it out for a distinct sort of nut or seed butter like almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini when you choose. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a particular nut-free granola strive these nut free granola bars as an alternative!
Chia seeds: You possibly can completely skip these when you don’t have any readily available or use one other sort of seed of their place, akin to flax seeds or hemp seeds.
Maple syrup: You could possibly at all times use one other sort of liquid sweetener akin to honey or agave nectar as an alternative of the maple syrup if you’d like.
Combine-ins: Be happy to customise this recipe with totally different mix-ins. You possibly can simply swap the chocolate chips for one thing else like dried cranberries, raisins or coconut flakes.

Collage of 8 photos showing the steps to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars, mixing the oats and chocolate with peanut butter mixture.

The right way to Make

Put together pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. I like to make use of binder clips to clamp the parchment down so the parchment stays in place.

Combine components: Mix oats, peanuts, chocolate chunks and chia seeds in a mixing bowl.

Warmth peanut butter: Warmth peanut butter and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium low warmth, stirring continuously till mixed and heat, about 2-3 minutes. Take away from warmth and stir in vanilla and sea salt.

Mix: Pour peanut butter combination into the bowl with the oat combination and toss till every thing is evenly coated. It’s okay if the chocolate begins to soften!

Press into pan: Pour combination into ready baking pan and press the combination firmly utilizing your fingers so it’s evenly unfold out. Add extra chocolate chips on prime and press these in as nicely.

Chill and serve: As soon as bars are pressed down firmly, place pan within the fridge for at the very least 2 hours to permit the bars to chill and agency up. As soon as the bars really feel stable/laborious to the contact, take away from the pan, place on a slicing board and slice into 10 bars. Serve instantly or save for later.

A stack of chocolate peanut butter granola bars.

The right way to Retailer

Probably the greatest issues about these peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars is that they retailer rather well and are excellent for meal prep!

After the bars have set, lower and retailer them in an hermetic container (like a Stasher bag or glass container) within the fridge for 1 week or within the freezer for as much as 3 months. I wish to retailer them after being lower in order that they’re able to seize and go! If you happen to do freeze them, simply thaw within the fridge or at room temperature earlier than having fun with them.

Extra Bar Recipes to Strive

You should definitely take a look at my full assortment of snack recipes right here on EBF!