Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a delicious and satisfying treat that combine crunchy oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet peanut butter cups. Perfect for a quick snack or an on-the-go breakfast, they are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 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
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts. Set aside.
- 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 without boiling, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oat mixture. Stir well with a rubber spatula until fully combined. Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly down using the bottom of a glass to compact it tightly.
- Step 4: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top of the granola layer.
- 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. Once set, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 8 bars with a sharp knife.
- Step 6: To garnish, immediately drizzle melted chocolate followed by melted peanut butter over the bars. The cold temperature will help the drizzle set quickly.
- Step 7: Enjoy the bars right away or store them in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips & Variations
- Use natural peanut butter for a smoother texture and less added sugar.
- Substitute chopped almonds or cashews for peanuts if preferred.
- To make the bars vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure vegan chocolate is used.
- For extra crunch, toast the oats and coconut flakes lightly before mixing.
Storage
Store these granola bars in an airtight container or wrapped well in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to one week. Before eating, you can enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature for a softer bite. Reheating is not necessary and is not recommended as it may melt the chocolate and peanut butter topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide the ideal chew and structure for these bars.
Can I freeze the granola bars for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars combine wholesome oats, crunchy peanuts, and creamy peanut butter with sweet honey and a hint of molasses for a delightful snack. Topped with mini peanut butter cups and a drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying treat. Made without baking, they come together quickly on the stovetop and set in the freezer or fridge for a no-bake, deliciously chewy bar.
Ingredients
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
Toppings
- 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, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts. Stir to blend and set aside.
- Heat wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir frequently and warm the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it is well combined and warm, but do not allow it to boil.
- Combine mixtures: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry oats mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir everything together until fully combined.
- Press into pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the bottom of a glass or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to compact it well.
- Add peanut butter cups: Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly across the surface of the granola bar mixture.
- Set bars: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut bars: Once set, remove the pan from the freezer or fridge. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the granola slab out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 8 bars using a sharp knife.
- Garnish (optional): Drizzle the bars immediately with melted chocolate followed by melted peanut butter. The cold bars will allow the drizzle to set quickly.
- Store and serve: Enjoy immediately or store the bars in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; avoid instant oats.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped peanut butter candies if preferred.
- The bars can be frozen for longer storage; thaw in refrigerator before eating.
- Pressing the bars firmly into the pan helps avoid crumbling after cutting.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter and peanuts with seed butter and seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter granola bars, no bake granola bars, peanut butter snacks, healthy snack bars, homemade granola bars
