Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and no baking required, these bars come together quickly.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or different nut butters to suit your taste.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with oats, nut butter, and honey, they provide a good balance of protein and fiber.
Kid-Friendly: A fun and simple recipe that children can help with, making it a great family activity.
Portable: Perfect for lunchboxes, hiking trips, or as a quick snack during a busy day.

Ingredients

1 cup natural peanut butter
¾ cup honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sea salt
2¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup slivered or chopped almonds
½ cup mini semisweet chocolate

Directions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Melt Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.
Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped almonds.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Add Chocolate Chips: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the mini chocolate chips to prevent them from melting.
Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a piece of parchment paper or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly into an even layer.
Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are set and firm.

Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15

Variations

Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the nuts to make the bars nut-free.
Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Add-ins: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for added flavor and texture.
Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, these bars can be made gluten-free.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add 2–3 tablespoons of protein powder to the mixture for an added protein

How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly into the pan and allow it to chill completely before

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey.

How long do these bars last?

When stored properly, these bars can last up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these granola bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I add dried fruits to these bars?

Yes, you can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the mixture for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Chewy Granola Bars are a versatile and satisfying snack that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make for a perfect on-the-go breakfast or a midday energy boost. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and flavors to make them your own.