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Homemade Granola Bars

These easy Homemade Granola Bars are made with creamy peanut butter, honey, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and crunchy pepitas. They require no baking, take only minutes to prepare, and make a delicious meal-prep breakfast or snack.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Homemade Granola Bars
  • 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter or cashew butter
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt heaping
  • 2 1/2 cups whole rolled oats use certified gluten-free oats if needed
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons pepitas or crushed peanuts or cashews

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Pan
  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make the bars easier to remove.
Mix the Granola Bar Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt until completely smooth.
  2. Add the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas or chopped nuts.
  3. Stir until thoroughly combined. The mixture may seem dry at first, but continue stirring until all the oats are evenly coated and the mixture holds together.
Press and Chill
  1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
  2. Press the mixture very firmly and evenly into the pan.
  3. Place a second sheet of parchment paper over the mixture and use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compress and smooth the surface.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to slice cleanly.
Slice and Store
  1. Use the parchment-paper overhang to lift the chilled mixture from the pan.
  2. Slice into 8 bars using a sharp knife.
  3. Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use smooth nut butter: Very smooth, creamy natural peanut butter or cashew butter helps bind the bars properly. Dry or stiff nut butter may make the mixture crumbly.
  • Press firmly: Compressing the mixture tightly into the pan is essential for bars that hold their shape.
  • Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips work best because they distribute evenly and help the bars remain cohesive. If using regular chocolate chips, chop them into smaller pieces first.
  • Nut options: Use pepitas, crushed peanuts, chopped cashews, or another finely chopped nut.
  • Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
  • Vegan option: Replace the honey with brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is sticky enough to help the bars hold together.
  • Maple syrup: Maple syrup is generally not sticky enough to create firm bars. When using maple syrup, roll the mixture into energy balls instead.
  • Chilling: Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing. Longer chilling will make the bars firmer and easier to cut.
  • Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.