Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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