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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Lunchbox Bars

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These no-bake peanut butter granola bars are chewy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with salty-sweet flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in minutes and are ideal for lunchboxes, snacks, or a quick treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Skippy natural)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped peanuts (if using), and mini chocolate chips.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir constantly until melted and smooth (about 2-3 minutes). Do not overheat.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt until glossy.
  5. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold with a rubber spatula until every oat and cereal piece is coated. The mixture should be uniform and slightly sticky.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to press the mixture down firmly and evenly. Compact well so bars hold together.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for about 45 minutes) until completely firm.
  8. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife, wiping the knife between slices for clean cuts.
  9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

For best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats). Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Chill completely before cutting. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. For nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts. For vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, peanut butter bars, lunchbox snacks, easy granola bars, healthy snacks, no-bake recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-no-bake-peanut-butter-granola-lunchbox-bars/