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Peanut Butter Granola Bars

This easy recipe yields delicious homemade peanut butter granola bars, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast. Combining old-fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips, these bars are baked until golden, then cooled and cut into convenient squares. A simple yet satisfying treat for all ages.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 2225.1
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup 1-stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds toasted, *see Cook's Note
  • 1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips

Equipment

  • 1 7 x 10 3/4-inch Nonstick Baking Pan
  • 1 Medium Bowl
  • 1 Hand Beater
  • 1 Rubber Spatula
  • 1 Sharp Knife For cutting bars

Method
 

  1. Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Spray a 7 by 10 3/4-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Lay a 6 by 18-inch piece of parchment paper in the pan, allowing the excess paper to hang over the sides. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
  3. In a medium bowl, using a hand beater, beat the egg white until frothy. Stir in the peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey. Add the melted butter, oats and almonds. Stir to combine, then add the chocolate chips.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, spread mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing lightly to form an even layer. Bake until the edge of the mixture begins to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares and serve.
  5. *Cook's Note: To toast almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Notes

For best results, ensure your oats are 'old-fashioned' or rolled oats, as quick-cooking oats can result in a gummier texture. Toasting the almonds is crucial for depth of flavor and a pleasant crunch; don't skip this step. When spreading the mixture into the pan, press it down very firmly and evenly to ensure the bars hold together well and cut cleanly without crumbling. Cooling for at least an hour, or even longer if time permits, is essential before cutting. This allows the bars to set completely, preventing them from falling apart. Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, especially if using unsalted peanut butter. For variations, dried cranberries or different nuts can be substituted.