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Chewy No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

chewy no-bake chocolate chip granola bars - featured image

These chewy no-bake chocolate chip granola bars are a quick, easy, and wholesome snack perfect for busy mornings or mid-afternoon cravings. Made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips, they offer a delicious balance of nutty, sweet, and chocolaty flavors without any baking required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned for best texture)
  • 1 cup (250 g) peanut butter (smooth or chunky, natural preferred)
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey (pure, raw honey works best)
  • ¾ cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet recommended, dairy-free options available)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional add-ins: ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Warm the binding mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat 1 cup (250 g) peanut butter and ½ cup (170 g) honey together in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and pourable. Alternatively, warm on stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
  2. Add flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt into the warm peanut butter and honey mixture.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats and ¾ cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips. Add optional nuts or dried fruit if using.
  4. Mix wet and dry: Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the oats and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until all oats are coated and mixture is sticky. Adjust texture by adding a tablespoon of honey if too dry or a bit more oats if too wet.
  5. Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press down firmly to compact evenly.
  6. Chill and set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and develop chewy texture.
  7. Slice and serve: Lift the set mixture out using the parchment paper and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Warm peanut butter and honey gently to avoid burning or separation. Press mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together well. Chill bars sufficiently before slicing to prevent crumbling. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Customize with nuts, dried fruit, or protein powder as desired. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegan chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars, healthy snacks, chewy granola bars, peanut butter bars, easy snack recipe