Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats and nuts with the rich flavor of peanut butter cups. These bars are a perfect snack for on-the-go or a delicious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some energy.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (see notes)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
• 3 tablespoons melted chocolate
• 3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir frequently and warm the mixture until it is well blended and warmed through but not boiling, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and immediately pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir everything together until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly into the pan. Using the bottom of a glass helps to compress it tightly.
4. Step 4: Let the mixture cool slightly, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top of the granola.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When set, lift the granola out using the parchment paper edges and cut into 8 bars with a sharp knife.
6. Step 6: For garnish, quickly drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars, then drizzle the melted peanut butter on top. The bars being cold will help the drizzles set quickly.
7. Step 7: Enjoy immediately or store the bars in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Use natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugar for better flavor and texture.
• Swap out roasted peanuts for almonds or cashews for a different nutty crunch.
• Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a touch of tartness.
• Pressing the granola firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold together well.
• If mini peanut butter cups aren’t available, chop regular peanut butter cups into small pieces.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their shape and freshness. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Avoid storing them at room temperature for extended periods as they may become soft and sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture of the bars will be slightly different and a bit more textured due to the peanut pieces. Creamy peanut butter helps the bars hold together smoothly.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make the bars vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure your peanut butter cups and chocolate drizzle are dairy-free or vegan-friendly.

Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a delicious and satisfying snack featuring a crunchy oat base mixed with coconut flakes, peanuts, and creamy peanut butter. Sweetened with honey and molasses, this no-bake recipe is topped with mini peanut butter cups and optionally drizzled with melted chocolate and peanut butter for an indulgent treat. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack, these bars are easy to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Author: Dylan
• 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

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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

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

Toppings & Garnish

• 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
• 3 tablespoons melted chocolate (for drizzling)
• 3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later. Set the pan aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, chopped roasted peanuts, and kosher salt. Set this oat mixture aside.
3. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, and vanilla extract. Stir frequently to blend the ingredients and warm the mixture gently for about 2-3 minutes without boiling.
4. Combine Mixtures: Remove the peanut butter mixture from heat and immediately pour it into the bowl with the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir firmly until the oats and nuts are well coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
5. Press Mixture Into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Firmly press it down using the bottom of a glass or your hands to ensure it holds together tightly.
6. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Allow the pressed mixture to cool for a few minutes, then evenly press mini peanut butter cups into the top of the granola layer.
7. Chill the Bars: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
8. Cut Into Bars: Once firm, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Use a sharp knife to cut the slab into 8 bars.
9. Drizzle (Optional): Immediately drizzle the bars with melted chocolate followed by melted peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor. The drizzle will set quickly since the bars are cold.
10. Store and Serve: Enjoy the bars right away, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 1 week.

Notes

• Use old fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats for better texture.
• Make sure to press the mixture firmly in the pan to help the bars hold together.
• Mini peanut butter cups add sweetness and texture but can be omitted or substituted if preferred.
• Bars can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain firmness.
• Drizzling with chocolate and peanut butter is optional, but adds great flavor and presentation.

Keywords: peanut butter granola bars, no bake granola bars, peanut butter snack, granola bars with chocolate, healthy homemade granola bars