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Quick No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

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These quick no-bake peanut butter granola bars come together in about five minutes of active time and require no oven. Made with pantry staples like peanut butter, honey, and oats, they are chewy, salty-sweet, and perfect for meal prep, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
  • ½ teaspoon salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and stirrable. Stir until smooth.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt (if using).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss together rolled oats and crispy rice cereal until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the peanut butter-honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold together until every oat and rice puff is coated. If using optional mix-ins, fold them in now.
  6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
  7. Place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper over the mixture, then press down firmly and evenly using your hands or the bottom of a flat measuring cup until compact.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best texture).
  9. Use the parchment handles to lift the block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 bars (or 16 smaller ones) with a sharp knife. Wipe knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Don’t use natural peanut butter that separates into oil and solids unless stirred very well. Press the mixture firmly to prevent crumbly bars. Chill overnight for best texture. For vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey. For nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and certified nut-free oats.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, peanut butter granola bars, easy snack, healthy snack, meal prep, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/quick-no-bake-peanut-butter-granola-bars-easy-5-minute-recipe/