Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Perfect Lunchbox Treat)
These easy no-bake peanut butter granola bars are chewy, sweet, and sturdy enough to survive a lunchbox. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in 15 minutes and are perfect for school snacks, breakfast on the go, or a quick treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (170g) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter and ½ cup honey. Microwave for 30 seconds until softened, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add 2 cups rolled oats and stir until all oats are evenly coated.
- If using, fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips, reserving a handful to press on top.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Place a piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly and evenly, especially in the corners.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Lift bars out using parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife. Wipe knife clean between cuts.
Notes
For best results, use creamy peanut butter (not natural) and old-fashioned rolled oats. Press mixture firmly into pan to prevent crumbling. Chill at least 2 hours; overnight is ideal. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: no-bake granola bars, peanut butter bars, lunchbox snacks, easy granola bars, healthy snacks