Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Printable Version)
Chewy, wholesome bars loaded with oats, dried apple, and creamy peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy!
# 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 or maple syrup
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, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
02 - In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to distribute evenly.
03 - In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your hands, press firmly and evenly to compact the mixture tightly.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until completely firm and set.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together in fifteen minutes flat, no oven required
- The texture lands perfectly between chewy and crisp, like a granola bar that actually satisfies
02 -
- Pressing the mixture into the pan with more force than you think necessary is the secret to clean cutting bars
- Letting them chill completely prevents that heartbreaking moment when your first bar crumbles into pieces
03 -
- Warm your knife under hot water between cuts for perfectly smooth edges
- Weigh the pan down with something heavy while chilling for extra dense bars