No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

I fell down a rabbit hole of TikTok the other night. This time watching homesteading videos of people making everything from scratch, from bread to cheese to butter. While I can’t see myself churning my own butter (although it looks pretty easy and fun, plus I use a TON of buttermilk), I was intrigued by these granola bars. There wasn’t any recipe included, so I started to experiment. They disappeared in record time so I need to make a bigger batch next time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (or more… well, just because)

Let’s Cook!

• Warm it up: In a saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), gently warm the peanut butter and honey until smooth and melty. Stir in the vanilla and pinch of salt.
• Combine: Pour the warm mixture over the oats and stir to combine well. Let cool for a few minutes before folding in chocolate chips so they don’t all melt (honestly I don’t wait as you see, whatever works!).
• Press & chill: Press mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small dish (I used a 6 x 8 glass dish). Use the back of a spoon to really pack it down. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
• Slice & snack: Cut into bars or squares and enjoy (this recipe makes 6-8 bars depending on how you slice them)! Store in fridge for up to a week (but they won’t last that long).

So good, so easy! The texture is perfect, they’re endlessly customizable, and they take no time at all. I’m already planning my next batch with chopped peanuts or toasted coconut. Perfect for hiking snacks or just late-night nibbling.

What’s your favorite make it, don’t buy it recipe? Let us know so we can try. (and if you’re gone on the homesteading journey, I have so many questions I’d love to ask!)

Eat well, friends!

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