Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Printable version)

Soft, chewy bars loaded with apple, oats, and creamy peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy this wholesome homemade treat.

# What you'll need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup dried apple, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/3 cup honey
10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on edges for easy removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped dried apple, shredded coconut, peanuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
03 - Place peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm in 30-second intervals until smooth and pourable. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir continuously until all dry components are thoroughly coated and evenly combined.
05 - Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your hands, press down firmly and evenly across the entire surface to compact the mixture.
06 - Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until bars are completely firm and hold together well.
07 - Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 12 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife.
08 - Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for optimal texture and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The peanut butter honey mixture creates the perfect binder without any processed marshmallow fluff or corn syrup
  • You can customize the mix-ins based on whatever is languishing in your pantry
02 -
  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan, because loose packing creates crumbly bars that fall apart when you try to pick them up
  • Let these chill completely before cutting, or you will end up with a sticky mess instead of neat bars
03 -
  • Warm your knife under hot water between cuts for the cleanest slices
  • If your honey is crystallized, warm the jar gently in a bowl of hot water first for easier measuring

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