Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Print View)
Soft, chewy bars with apple, oats, and peanut butter—no baking required for this wholesome treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup dried apple, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/3 cup honey
10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How To Make It:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add oats, crispy rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to distribute evenly.
03 - Combine peanut butter, honey, and melted coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold and stir thoroughly until every component is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or clean hands, press down firmly and evenly across the entire surface to compact the bars tightly.
06 - Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until the mixture firms completely and holds together when cut.
07 - Lift the entire slab from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The texture is somehow both chewy and crisp, like a granola bar that actually tastes homemade instead of processed
- They come together in under fifteen minutes but keep you full for hours
02 -
- Pressing the mixture into the pan firmly is the difference between bars that hold together and ones that crumble into sad granola
- These really do need that full hour in the fridge to set properly, so plan ahead
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking
- Use a sharp knife and press down firmly when cutting, then wipe the blade clean between slices for perfect edges