Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Print Page)
Chewy wholesome bars with apple, peanut butter, and hearty oats. No baking required.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup dried apple, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to distribute evenly.
03 - In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your hands, press firmly and evenly to compact the mixture tightly.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the bars are firm and set.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars and serve immediately or store for later.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together in literally 15 minutes with zero baking required
- The texture is somehow both chewy and crispy, exactly what a granola bar should be
02 -
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is the difference between bars that hold together and crumbly mess
- These really do need to stay chilled until serving time or they'll get soft and lose their shape
03 -
- Warm your mixing spoon slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking
- Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices