Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Perfect for Kids Lunchboxes
These easy no-bake peanut butter granola bars are chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough, making them perfect for kids’ lunchboxes and quick snack prep without any baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter (creamy preferred)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (55g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup (120ml) honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth and well blended (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in 2 cups (180g) rolled oats. Fold in 1/3 cup (55g) mini chocolate chips and/or 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts if using. Mix until oats are evenly coated (about 2 minutes).
- Pour mixture into prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or clean hands (3-5 minutes).
- Place pan in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let bars firm up. Alternatively, chill in freezer for 30 minutes but avoid freezing solid.
- Lift set mixture out using parchment paper overhang. Place on cutting board and slice into 10-12 bars depending on preferred size.
Notes
Use room temperature peanut butter and honey for easier mixing. Press mixture firmly to avoid crumbly bars. Chill sufficiently to set bars well. Parchment paper helps with easy removal. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips and nuts add texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if 12 bars pe
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, granola bars, kids lunchbox, easy snack, healthy snack, quick recipe