Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Print Version)

Soft chewy bars with apple, oats and peanut butter. No baking required for this wholesome snack.

# What You 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

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on opposite sides for easy bar removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped dried apple, shredded coconut, 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. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold and stir thoroughly until all dry components are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using the back of a spatula or clean hands, press down firmly and evenly to compact the bars tightly.
06 - Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until the bars are completely firm and hold their shape when cut.
07 - Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars with a sharp knife.
08 - Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for best texture and freshness.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • They come together faster than deciding what to order for takeout, and you probably have everything in your pantry right now
  • The texture is somehow both chewy and crisp, like the granola bars you loved as a kid but actually better
02 -
  • Pressing the mixture into the pan harder than you think necessary is literally the most important step, otherwise you will be eating these with a spoon
  • Letting them chill completely before cutting prevents that sad moment when half the bar stays stuck to the knife
03 -
  • If your peanut butter is separated and the oil is floating on top, give it a really good stir before measuring, or your bars might end up greasy
  • Use the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan, it creates the most even surface without sticking to your hands

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