3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars | Easy Healthy Snack

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Author: Adam
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🎉 Introduction
Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. These 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy techniques to make a delicious, wholesome snack. With just peanut butter, oats, and sweetener, you can whip up chewy, protein-packed bars that are perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

No baking required means they’re fast, fuss-free, and kid-friendly — a great option to keep in the fridge for healthy snacking all week long.


🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Refrigerator for chilling

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup

Optional add-ins:

  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds
  • Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.

Step 3: Add rolled oats and mix until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but easy to press.

Step 4: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly.

Step 5: Optional: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or nuts on top and press lightly into the surface.

Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.

Step 7: Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into bars.

Step 8: Store in the fridge for grab-and-go snacking.


🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Chill time: 2 hours
  • Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (softer texture).
  • Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
  • Reheating: Not needed — enjoy chilled or room temp.

🥄 Variations

  • Almond version: Swap peanut butter for almond butter.
  • Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Chocolate lovers: Stir in cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
  • Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder.
  • Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter for a school-safe snack.

10 FAQs

  1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
    – Yes, though the bars will be softer.
  2. Do I need to heat the mixture?
    – Not usually, but warming peanut butter and honey slightly can make mixing easier.
  3. Can I make these gluten-free?
    – Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.
  4. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
    – Absolutely, it adds extra crunch.
  5. How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
    – Press firmly into the pan and chill thoroughly before slicing.
  6. Can I use agave instead of honey or maple syrup?
    – Yes, agave works too.
  7. Can I add dried fruit?
    – Yes, raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates are great mix-ins.
  8. Do kids like these?
    – Definitely! They’re chewy, sweet, and fun to help make.
  9. Can I double the recipe?
    – Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan for a double batch.
  10. Do they hold up well in lunchboxes?
    – Yes, but they’re best stored cold to stay firm.

🏁 Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are everything you want in a snack — simple, healthy, and delicious. With chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of natural sweetness, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a wholesome snack ready to go.

Adam

3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars | Easy Healthy Snack

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. These 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy techniques to make a delicious, wholesome snack. With just peanut butter, oats, and sweetener, you can whip up chewy, protein-packed bars that are perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up. No baking required means they’re fast, fuss-free, and kid-friendly — a great option to keep in the fridge for healthy snacking all week long.
Prep Time 10 minutes
chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups rolled oats use certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • Optional add-ins:
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds
  • Pinch of salt if peanut butter is unsalted
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Refrigerator for chilling

Method
 

Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal.
    Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
      Step 3: Add rolled oats and mix until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but easy to press.
        Step 4: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly.
          Step 5: Optional: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or nuts on top and press lightly into the surface.
            Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
              Step 7: Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into bars.
                Step 8: Store in the fridge for grab-and-go snacking.

                  Notes

                  🧊 Storage & Reheating
                  Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (softer texture).
                  Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week.
                  Freezer: Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
                  Reheating: Not needed — enjoy chilled or room temp.
                  🥄 Variations
                  Almond version: Swap peanut butter for almond butter.
                  Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
                  Chocolate lovers: Stir in cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
                  Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder.
                  Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter for a school-safe snack.
                  ❓ 10 FAQs
                  Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
                  – Yes, though the bars will be softer.
                  Do I need to heat the mixture?
                  – Not usually, but warming peanut butter and honey slightly can make mixing easier.
                  Can I make these gluten-free?
                  – Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.
                  Can I use chunky peanut butter?
                  – Absolutely, it adds extra crunch.
                  How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
                  – Press firmly into the pan and chill thoroughly before slicing.
                  Can I use agave instead of honey or maple syrup?
                  – Yes, agave works too.
                  Can I add dried fruit?
                  – Yes, raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates are great mix-ins.
                  Do kids like these?
                  – Definitely! They’re chewy, sweet, and fun to help make.
                  Can I double the recipe?
                  – Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan for a double batch.
                  Do they hold up well in lunchboxes?
                  – Yes, but they’re best stored cold to stay firm.
                  🏁 Conclusion
                  These 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are everything you want in a snack — simple, healthy, and delicious. With chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of natural sweetness, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a wholesome snack ready to go.
                  Adam

                  Hello! I’m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
                  Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories — all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

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