Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Print Version)

Soft chewy bars loaded with apple, oats, and peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy.

# What You 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 or maple syrup
10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped dried apple, shredded coconut, peanuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
03 - Place peanut butter, honey, and melted coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold and stir continuously until all dry components are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
05 - Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup, press firmly and evenly across the entire surface. Compact tightly to ensure bars hold together.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely firm and set. The chilling time is essential for proper texture and easy cutting.
07 - Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal-sized bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No oven required just a stovetop or microwave for melting
  • They stay perfectly chewy for a whole week in the fridge
  • You can customize them with whatever nuts or dried fruit you have on hand
02 -
  • Press the mixture into the pan much harder than you think you need to
  • Let them chill for the full hour or they will crumble when you try to cut them
  • Room temperature bars are softer and less structured so keep them chilled until serving
03 -
  • Use quick oats if you prefer a softer texture but stay away from steel cut
  • Line your pan with parchment facing up so nothing sticks to the paper

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