Description
These easiest microwave chewy peanut butter granola bars are a quick and delicious no-bake snack made with wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet honey. Perfect for a kid-friendly treat or a convenient energy boost, they come together in just minutes using your microwave and require no oven time. Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds, these bars are chewy, satisfying, and easy to store.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds
Instructions
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well to begin melting and combining the ingredients.
- Microwave again if needed: If the mixture isn’t fully smooth and melted, microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor of the base mixture.
- Mix in oats: Add the oats to the peanut butter mixture and stir thoroughly until all the oats are fully coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture.
- Cool the mixture: Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes to prevent chocolate chips or nuts from melting in the next step.
- Fold in optional ingredients: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and the optional chopped nuts or seeds if using, distributing them evenly.
- Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour or until the granola bars are firm enough to cut easily.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 evenly sized bars. Store as desired.
Notes
- Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
- Add dried fruit or coconut flakes for additional flavor and texture variety.
