This Chewy Granola Bar Recipe is the ultimate no-bake treat, packed with oats, cashews, honey, peanut butter, M&M’s, and chocolate chips. Way better than store-bought!
author’s note
These Granola Bars Disappeared Fast!
from-scratch granola bars never last long in my house. They’re usually gone the same day I make them! My oldest came home from school one afternoon raving about a granola bar with M&M’s he’d tried in his lunch swap. He looked at me and said, “Why don’t you ever add M&M’s to ours?”
Challenge accepted. I took our usual granola bar base, kept it simple, and loaded it up with colorful M&M’s. They were a hit. The boys couldn’t stop eating them and told me these are the best ones yet. I even overheard one of them say they’re way better than the store-bought kind. I’ll take that win!
Quick Tip
If you love dates, you’ll love these granola bars . Craving chocolate? Try these chocolate granola bars next!
Ingredients In Chewy Granola Bar Recipe
- Peanut Butter: Stick with creamy peanut butter for best results.
- Honey: Coat the measuring cup with cooking spray first so the honey slides right out.
- Coconut Oil: Measure while solid to get the right amount.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Skip quick or steel-cut oats—they don’t work the same here.
- Salt: If your nuts or peanut butter are salted, use less added salt.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasting adds flavor but is totally skippable.
- Cashews: Roasted and salted cashews give the best flavor.
- Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Swap with chopped chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts if you’d like.
How to Keep Granola Bars From Falling Apart
- Measure Syrup Right: Use the full amount of honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Scrape it all into the pot—every bit is needed to hold the bars together.
- Chop Cashews Small: Big chunks make the bars fall apart.
- Press Firmly: Pack the mix tightly into the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down.
- Let Bars Cool: Don’t cut warm bars—they’ll fall apart. Wait until they’re fully set and firm.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes clean cuts. A dull knife can break the bars.
Variations
Change Things Up!
- Nuts: Use any chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, pecans, or peanuts.
- No M&M’s: Skip them for less sugar—no other changes needed.
- Pan Size: Use a 9×9 pan for thinner bars or 8×8 for thicker bars.
- Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. Add more if the mix feels dry.
- Oil: Swap coconut oil with unsalted butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
Storage
Leftover Chewy Granola Bar Recipe?
- Fridge: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a bag or container. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze bars on a tray for 1-2 hours. Once firm, wrap and store in a freezer bag or container for up to 6 months.
- Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
More Snack Recipes:
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Oatmeal Energy Balls
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Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Snacks
Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
