Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe
These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars combine the wholesome goodness of old fashioned rolled oats, coconut flakes, and roasted peanuts with the rich creaminess of natural peanut butter and a touch of honey and molasses for sweetness. Perfect for a quick snack or energy boost, they are chilled to set and topped with mini peanut butter cups and drizzled chocolate for an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons melted chocolate
- 3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for a slight overhang on the sides to make removal easier later. Set the pan aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts. Stir them together evenly and set aside.
- Warm wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the natural peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir frequently and heat the mixture until it is nicely warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes, but do not allow it to boil.
- Combine mixtures: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oat blend. Use a rubber spatula to stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press into pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly—using the bottom of a glass can help achieve a tight, compact layer.
- Add peanut butter cups: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly all across the top of the granola.
- Chill to set: Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into bars: Remove the pan from the freezer or fridge and lift the granola out using the parchment paper sides. With a sharp knife, cut the granola into 8 bars.
- Garnish (optional): Drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars, then immediately follow with drizzled melted peanut butter. The cold bars will cause these toppings to set quickly.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil inside the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Old fashioned rolled oats give the best texture; instant oats may make the bars too soft.
- Natural peanut butter adds flavor and creaminess without artificial additives.
- Do not boil the peanut butter mixture to preserve the texture and nutrients.
- Pressing the mixture firmly ensures bars hold together well.
- Optional chocolate and peanut butter drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence but can be skipped.
- Store bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and firmness.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Granola Bars, No Bake Snack, Healthy Snack, Homemade Granola Bars, Peanut Butter Cups, Easy Granola Bars
