Description

A simple, beginner-friendly no-bake granola bar made with just five ingredients. These bars are dense, chewy, and perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick snack without the hassle of baking.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup honey
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine peanut butter and honey. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, forming a glossy liquid. Do not let it boil.
Transfer the hot peanut butter-honey mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Immediately add oats, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir quickly to combine, allowing the heat to soften the oats slightly.
Fold in chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed. The mixture should resemble heavy cookie dough.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Wet your hands slightly with water or oil to prevent sticking.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Ensure it is packed tight to prevent crumbling.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Lift the block out of the pan using the parchment sling and cut into 12 bars.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats as they affect texture. Press the bars firmly to ensure they hold together. If using maple syrup instead of honey, chill for at least 1 hour as it has higher water content. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 150
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 8

Keywords: no-bake, granola bars, chocolate chip, peanut butter, healthy snack, meal prep, beginner recipe, chewy bars