Easy No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
A quick and easy no-bake granola bars recipe using simple pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a healthy, on-the-go snack that requires no oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (240 ml) natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey (maple syrup as vegan substitute)
- 1/2 cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped nuts, 1/4 cup (20 g) shredded coconut, 1/4 cup (40 g) dried fruit
Instructions
- Toast the oats: Heat a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups (180 g) of rolled oats and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and nutty. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
- Warm the peanut butter and honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup (240 ml) natural peanut butter and 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey. Stir continuously until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the toasted oats. Stir gently until all oats are coated. Fold in optional nuts, coconut, or dried fruit if using.
- Cool slightly, then add chocolate chips: Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes to prevent melting, then fold in 1/2 cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper. Transfer mixture and press firmly into an even, compact layer about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Slice and store: Lift bars out using parchment paper edges and cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Toasting oats adds a nutty flavor and better texture. Warm peanut butter and honey gently to avoid scorching. Add chocolate chips after mixture cools to prevent melting. Press mixture firmly in pan for bars that hold together well. Chill bars at least 2 hours before slicing. Adjust moisture by adding oats if too sticky or honey/peanut butter if too dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of bat
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars, healthy snacks, quick snacks, peanut butter bars, easy granola bars