Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Printable)
Soft, chewy bars with apple, oats, and peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy this wholesome, grab-and-go 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 (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
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, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together oats, rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until 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 into the pan.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm and set.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars and serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These bars come together in under 15 minutes and actually hold their shape unlike the crumbly disasters Ive made before
- The chewy apple and creamy peanut butter combo hits that perfect sweet spot between healthy dessert and actual wholesome food
02 -
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is the difference between bars that hold together and ones that crumble apart
- Letting them chill completely before cutting prevents those ragged edges that make everything look messy
03 -
- Warm your knife under hot water between cuts for perfectly clean slices
- Let the mixture cool slightly before pressing into the pan so it does not stick to your hands