Granola bars are one of the must-have items in our pantry. So tasty and perfect for energy on busy days. This chewy chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars recipe is a perfect way to always have them on hand when you or your kids need a snack. They are packed with protein and fiber, but just enough sweetness to satisfy your cravings. You will absolutely love this simple recipe and make sure to have ingredients on hand at all times!
Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
With a teen boy in the house, I have to tell you right away that snacks go FAST. When they say boys will eat you out of house and home, they surely aren't kidding. So, I do like to have healthier options when I can, but also, ones that pack in a lot of protein. You may not think of granola bars as being a terribly healthy option when there is chocolate involved, but in this case, the peanut butter definitely balances things.
Making homemade bars makes me feel a lot better about him having oatmeal bars on a regular basis. When I can control ingredients, I don't feel the guilt of knowing he is filling up on tons of processed sugar-laden ingredients. This recipe combines tons of healthy protein, fats, and fiber. It makes enjoying them as a snack much easier for me, as a mom, to be okay with. You might also like these oatmeal bars or even these four berry no-bake graham cracker bars. Both are delicious!
What Type of Oatmeal Should I Use For These Bars?
For this recipe, I used basic quick-cooking oats. Rolled oats are inexpensive and almost always in your pantry. That makes them great for the base of something like this. While I have seen a few varieties using steel-cut oatmeal, it's not really something I would reach for as it needs to be cooked first.
Traditional rolled oats will be a bit tougher than quick oats, but both can work in this if needed. I just typically keep quick oats on hand since that is what we prefer for fast easy to make breakfasts.
What Mix-In's Can I Add to Oat Bars?
This recipe is pretty basic so you can definitely add in other items to give more flavor and texture. The basics of the recipe should remain the same, but get creative and make different variations that suit your family.
- Swap the peanut butter for different nut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower butter are all great choices that work well in this recipe.
- In place of coconut, add slivered almonds, chopped peanuts, chopped pecans, or even chopped walnuts.
- Mix in chopped dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, pineapple, or even banana chips.
- Add ¼ cup milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips to the mixture.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles before refrigerating to add color and something fun for kids.
Do These Have to Be Refrigerated?
These homemade granola bars do not have to be refrigerated. That makes them great for making and keeping on hand in the kitchen for kids to grab and snack whenever they want. However, if you live in a hot climate and don't keep your home climate controlled in the summer, you'll want to pop these in the refrigerator. They won't exactly "melt" but they will not stay set nicely.
How Long are Homemade Oat Bars Good?
If you plan to keep these for more than 3-4 days at a time, you will want to pop them into the refrigerator in an airtight container. Otherwise, you can keep them out on the counter in a container for up to 4 days with no issues. Longer than that you will have concerns about getting stale, and in some cases, mold if not climate controlled.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Rolled oats
- Shredded coconut
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil and peanut butter over medium heat.
Add in the vanilla extract and cook for 1-2 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut, cocoa powder, salt, and oats until well combined.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
When the mixture is combined, add in honey and stir.
Pour the mixture into a lined loaf pan and set aside for 1 hour in the refrigerator to solidify.
Remove from the loaf pan and cut into 8 squares.
Keep in an airtight container until ready to eat.
Chef's Tip
When I make these at home, I like to have them pretty exact so I can count them with my macros for the day. One way to do that is to use a granola bar mold. These give them the traditional shape of a store bought bar, and since they are silicone, it makes it super easy to remove from the mold.
More Tasty Snack Ideas
We are all about having yummy snacks on hand. As I mentioned, I much prefer something homemade instead of out of a package. That's why I have some great ideas to share with you below. Check these out to add more to your meal plan!
- Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips Snack Recipe
- Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Gooey Cheddar Queso
- Kid-Friendly Pizza Puff Snack Recipe
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe
- Baked Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
- Homemade Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars
- Chewy Granola Bars Recipe
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
This easy recipe is perfect for snacking. Make your own homemade chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars recipe in a matter of minutes!
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup quick cook rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil and peanut butter over medium heat.
- Add in the vanilla extract and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut, cocoa powder, salt, and oats until well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
- When the mixture is combined, add in honey and stir.
- Pour the mixture into a lined loaf pan and set aside for 1 hour in the refrigerator to solidify.
- Remove from the loaf pan and cut into 8 squares.
- Keep in an air tight container until ready to eat.
Notes
Add mix-in's to the bars to create a different texture and flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 115mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 6g
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