Skip the store-bought snacks and whip up a family favorite recipe for soft and chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars.
As I near the final countdown to baby #2’s arrival, I’ve got one craving and one craving only on my mind: all things chewy!
It may seem odd to crave a texture rather than a taste, but there’s just something about chewy foods that has driven both of my pregnancies. Baby #1 was all about the…
bagels! And with just a few short weeks left until we meet our newest addition, Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars have been on the regular rotation at our house.
Much like their culinary cousin, Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, this DIY snack steers clear of any crispiness in favor of every element I’ve ever known a spectacular granola bar to encompass: chewy, chewy, chewy andddd more chewiness.
I like a granola bar that you can really sink your teeth into. These bars satisfy every chewy craving imaginable, with the added bonus that they’re packed with peanut butter for some good ol’ fashioned protein.
The p.b. flavor is courtesy of both the creamy good stuff and peanut butter chips. Toss in a few chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and you, too, may be destined to skip the store-bought granola bars for good.
Looking for more DIY granola? Don’t miss my go-to recipe for Easy Homemade Granola that can be customized with all of your favorite chopped nuts and dried fruits for the ultimate make-ahead breakfast-slash-snack.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (regular or reduced fat)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 13x9-inch nonstick baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, honey, egg, oil and vanilla extract with a handheld beater until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate medium bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar and salt. Add the oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined then stir in the peanut butter chips and mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing the granola into bars and serving.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.
Best granola bar recipe for my family. My kids love these bars. I have been making them every Sunday for the last few weeks and they just don’t get tired of them. It’s a must to try.
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipe!
These are incredible! I’m not a huge fan of peanut butter, but I made them for my partner. When they finished baking, I was just going to try a little piece. Holy cow! SO good. Only changes I made: doubled the peanut butter chips since I didn’t have chocolate, and added some peanuts for crunch. Thanks for this amazing recipe!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Janice!
These were perfect. My first time making granola bars with an egg. My whole family loved them and they’ll be great for the kids’ lunchboxes. With the oats and the peanut butter, they make for a filling, nutritional snack. I had no issues with crumbling upon cutting. I pressed them down really well with the back of a metal spatula (lightly sprayed with baking spray) both before – and immediately after – baking. Just press down and pull up carefully while the bars are still hot so you don’t make a mess with any of the melted chocolate. This has definitely replaced my Ina Garten granola bar recipe. Think I will try with some shredded coconut the next time around. Thanks for the great recipe!
I’m so thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Jill! Let me know if you try it with coconut and how it turns out!
Made these & recipe is a keeper. Son in law was snacking on them last night almost ate what was left. He wants to add coconut & other add ins. Round 2 of making them when I get back hm
I’m so happy to read this, Sharon!
Thank you for the recipe! These are so good. First time I made as written. Second time Skipped PB chips because I didn’t have them, and added dried cherries and chopped peanuts. Also added flake salt to the top because I love salty peanut butter.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Melissa!
So good! Kids loved it. Added chopped dates and sunflower seeds. I baked it an extra 10 minutes till it started to brown. Let it cool and then sliced it into bars. I made a double batch the second time. The first batch was gone with an hours.
Love reading this, Judy! So thrilled the granola bars were a hit!
I made a few changes; I used almond butter, toasted the oats and added sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds and coconut. I always lightly toast the nuts as well to enhance flavor. I did not use sugar, but increased the honey to 1/2 cup. Baked for 17 minutes at 350 degrees.
Thanks for your note!
I made these gluten free last night, using gluten free oats and they were delicious!!!! My edges were not browned in the 15 minutes, so I kept putting them back in (approx. another 6 minutes until I saw them start to brown). I think next time, I won’t wait for the edges to brown and just take them out at the 15 minute mark and see how they do. They are still soft but a little harder than I think they are supposed be, but delicious!!!! I had a little bit of peanut butter chips leftover, so I melted those and drizzled a very thin line back and forth over the top when they cooled. Did I say they were delicious! :) Thanks so much for this recipe! My granddaughter is going to love them!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Cathy! I hope your granddaughter enjoys the granola bars, too!
Can you make this with sugar free peanut butter and without the chips ? Just looking for straight peanut butter bar for my breakfast without chocolate lol
That *should* work! Let me know if you give it a shot, Daniel!
Easy to make and no yucky ingredients! My 13 year old loves to make them!
I’m so happy to read this, Michelle!
Never been a fan of PB chips. Don’t want to add the chocolate. Could you just increase the PB?
I’d recommend just leaving the mix-ins out!
Can I use quick oats?
That should work!
Update, my grandson,20 months old was busy snacking on it in the car to mom & family place . Recipe is a keeper
Yay! So happy to read this, Sharon!
I was nervous to attempt granola bars because I tried it once years ago (different recipe) and they were inedible and gross, lol! I tried these and they’re incredible. They smell good, look good and taste even better. It’s so good I think of it as a treat. Thank you!!
You are so welcome, Faith! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Hey, can this recipie be modified to make the bars crunchy ? If so please can you please help me out with the substitution of ingredients ?
Hi Oliver! This recipe specifically yields soft and chewy bars so unfortunately I don’t have modifications for making them crunchy unless you try baking them in a larger pan so the mixture is thinner and increasing the bake time.
Can I use quick oats? Will it give the same results. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! I wouldn’t recommend using quick oats for this recipe because they are much softer, so the results won’t be the same.
Hello- these taste great! How do you store them?
So glad you’re loving the recipe, Aimee! Store them in an airtight container at room temp.
These are so great love so much better than store-bought.
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Susan!
I made these for the second time last night. I followed the recipe except I used crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. I baked them a bit longer to get the golden brown edges, probably my oven. The first time I made them I thought they are okay, but decided that I should individually wrap and freeze them so they wouldn’t get stale, since it was just me eating one a day. Wow, after finishing the first batch I have decided that they are really good and I don’t want to go back to store bought! I also used a large pancake turner sprayed with Pam to press the mixture into the pan, which worked great. Thanks for the recipe!
Love reading this, Karen! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the granola bars!
Excellent granola bars! I used half the amount of brown sugar and it was still delicious. Next time i will do without the brown sugar completely.
We loved this recipe! Thank you!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I made the granola bars and added flax seed, rasin and nuts. Wow is was great.
Excellent! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kathy!
These bars are super delicious and easy to make!!!!! 5 stars
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kay!
Very good. Giving them as Christmas treats this year.
Edible gifts are the best gifts! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sharon!
These look great! Can coconut oil be substituted for the canola?
That should work! Can’t wait to read your results, Rhonda! :)
Yes. That’s what I did. I just melted the coconut oil first.
These granola bars are super easy to make and I bet you have all of the ingredients on hand! Wondering why I have purchased granola bars from the store for the past 25 years! SMH! They are delicious!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Brenda!
don’t have peanut b utter chips can I just use more chocolate chips
Absolutely!
I lost recipe I had from Taste of Home magazine. I’m glad I found it here. I use corn syrup and melted chocolate on top.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Julie!
Have been making these for my husband to take to work as a snack bar for a few weeks now and they’re great! He likes them much better than the store-bought alternatives, and I enjoy making them: easy! I did increase the peanut butter to 3/4 cup to add a bit more protein. Thank you, Kelly, for this recipe!
I’m so thrilled you and your husband are enjoying the recipe, Amy!
I had the page open to make these for a while and finally got to the store to pick up the pb chips and made them yesterday. We like chewy granola bars, too and we loved these. I especially like the dominant peanut butter flavor. My husband has to watch his carbs, so I broke the rule for making “as written” on the first go and decided to decrease the brown sugar by two tablespoons. I suppose I lost a little of the chewy factor along with sweetness, but was still happy with the result. Still… knowing my sweet tooth, I am certain I would personally prefer the full amount of brown sugar. However, it is better to share life’s joys and great treats like these!
Absolutely! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Pamela!
4th time making this recipie! I too replaced the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate and added 1/3cup shredded coconut. My family scoffs at store bought now! Thank you!
YUM! So thrilled you and your family have been enjoying the recipe, Ruth!
Just took them out of the pan. They are great. I omitted the pb chips and used dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips. I also added 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut. Still came out chewy. Will be adding this to my recipe book.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ellen!
Kelly, If I want to load them up with walnuts, sunflowers seeds, sesame seeds pumpkin seeds ..would I need to adjust the recipe at all? The important part is chewy (and I’m not even pregnant), and peanut butter.
Hi there! I’d keep the proportions the same that the recipe states, but swap out either the PB chips or chocolate chips. My concern with adding more nuts is that you’d want to increase the liquids as well so they aren’t dry/crunchy.
These are the best granola bars! Usually the ones I make are hard as a rock! I love the chewiness!
I didn’t have honey so I replaced it with molasses and that worked out great. I’m not a huge honey fan and one of my complaints with granola bars is how the honey is overpowering so this worked. I also didn’t have canola oil so I just used olive oil. And I added a 1/2 cup less oats and put in a 1/2 cup of chocolate protein powder.
Thanks for the recipe! It was great!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lindsey!
This is the best granola recipe yet! I tried making granola from two prior recipes that I found and I was not impressed. Glad I gave this one a chance – I will definitely be making this again and again! Thanks!
YAY! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jeanne!
Hi –
Can I also add some raisins instead of the peanut butter chips (don’t have any)?
Absolutely!
How do you store these?
Hi Mary – You can store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Loved this recipe. Modified it slightly since I had no chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. Used vegetable oil instead of canola oil, and used regular sugar instead of brown sugar. Turned out awesome! I even shared some with my puppy since its all natural and safe for pups.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Steven!
Can not wait to make these….and as the craving chewy…it is not weird at all to me, I craved color! <3
I hope you enjoy the granola bars, Ericka!
Hi, can you tell me the nutrition facts,(please don’t forget the fat, saturated fat and added sugar). I am doing this for a school project so wish me luck, thanks.
Hi Jamie – You can find the estimated nutritional info for one serving by clicking on the purple button below the recipe that says ESTIMATED NUTRITION INFORMATION.
In the above recipe can I use granola in place of rolled oats?
I wouldn’t because when they bake, the granola will get too dark/crispy.
You wouldn’t happen to have any idea of the fat and sugar average, for a bar, would you? I’m trying to find a better alternative to processed, bulk made, not that healthy, granola bars for my mom. She has high cholesterol and is hypoglycemic, so that’s why I’m asking about that information. I understand if you don’t have it, but I thought I would ask. Thanks
Hi Peter! You can find the estimated nutritional info for one serving by clicking on the purple button below the recipe that says ESTIMATED NUTRITION INFORMATION.
I don’t have old fashioned oats. Could I use quick cooking oats? Please advise.
Hi Debbie – I haven’t tried this recipe with instant oats as it will alter the texture and density of the granola bars.
I wanted to make these but didn’t have all the same ingredients. So, I cut the sugar by using granular monk fruit, and used coconut oil instead of canola. Then, I added a mix of chopped mixed nuts and coconut instead of the peanut butter chips. YUMMY. I only gave it 4 stars since I didn’t make it per the recipe so don’t know how that tastes. But I will definitely make these, or some variation, again.
Thanks so much for your comment, Sarah! Looking forward to hearing more of your combinations/variations!
Making them now, my family and I love both peanut butter and granola.
Enjoy!
I tried probably half a dozen recipes before I found this one, and it’s nearly perfect. I’ve made this recipe 4 or 5 times now and made a couple of adjustments. I use natural creamy peanut butter, and increased the amount from 1/2 to 1/3 cup which makes them hold together better. I also use a mix of honey and maple syrup, and I don’t do a packed 1/2 cup of brown sugar, just a loosely poured cup, which makes the sweetness level great for my family. I also mix up the add-ins, doing mini chocolate chips and chopped up craisins and walnuts. My family loves them!!!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Meaghan! And I love all of your add-ins!
These tasted great but fell apart a bit. I will definitely be trying again – probably with a longer bake time (the crispy edges stayed together much better than the soft center) and just chocolate chips as a mix in (I subbed diced dried apricots and slivered almonds – maybe chocolate chips would help everything stick together better).
Hi Cole – I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Here are a few tips for next time: Be sure that you firmly press the oat mixture into the prepared pan, bake them for the designated time and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. :)
Making these now, they smell great in the oven. Cant wait to try them!
Woohoo! Enjoy!
What is the Bars shelf life? Looking to make a big batch for kids school lunches. Thank you! Can’t wait to try it!
Hi Katie! You can store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Before I make it..looks yummy…
What is the reason for the egg?
Hi Riaan – The egg acts as a binder and a texture-enhancer.
I am a huge fan of this recipe! Just made it for the first time but will definitely be making it again! Super yummy!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled to hear this, Joni!
I love these! I work as a yacht chef and make granola bars a few times a week. Iv’e tried MANY different variations, but for the base of them I always follow this recipe.
For my last batch I substituted coconut oil for canola oil. And added chopped pecans, coconut flakes, and dried cranberries. Very delicious!
Amazing! I love hearing this, Leah!
I loved the granola bars. I just added some coconut. Lovely
I’m so glad you enjoyed the granola bars, Cathetine! Love the idea of adding coconut!
I make these once a week substituting coconut oil for the canola and without the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Delicious!! Thank you for sharing :-)
Love hearing this! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Carrie!
I made this,but I used molasses no honey .It was great.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Teresa!
4th time making them since 11-25-18!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying the recipe, Rachel! Feel free to give it a star rating, too :)
I made these for my man, because he eats alot of store bought ones. He took them to work the next day and shared them, everyone raved. Getting ready to make them again. Thanks so much!
I’m thrilled to hear this, Rachel!
Real good! Made for my hubby for a quick and easy breakfast! The best part is that it took me 5 minutes to make!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Hanna!
I craved all things chewy with my 4th pregnancy. I completely relate!
Yessss! Chewy all the way!
I made these as the first recipe from your site and off my new iPhone reading it on the phone in the kitchen. Bars were a big hit though I didn’t have peanut butter chips on hand (I think you need a recipe for making your own chips) looking forward to trying more here. Thanks
Welcome to Just a Taste, Susan! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Definitely the best soft granola bar recipe out there! So easy and so tasty!
Wow! Thank you so much, Fred! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe.
Great recipe! I got tired of the store bought bars that dropped chocolate chips on the seat of my car, so I omitted them from the recipe; this is now my go-to commuting snack. I added some almonds to the second batch for a little more crunch. Thanks again for the recipe!
LOVE hearing this, Edward! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
So easy to make and absolutely loved the taste of these. I added some currants and seeds to mine. Only complaint is that mine seemed to fall apart when cooked – probably something I did wrong! Any recommendations on how to make the finished product a little less crumbly?
Hi Kelly! If it’s very humid where you are, that could contribute to the bars not setting up firmly. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you firmly press the oat mixture into the prepared pan, bake for the designated time and allow them to cool completely before slicing. Hope that helps!
What could you swap out the brown sugar with??? Maple syrup or half and half? Can you use vege oil instead. Thx
Hi Kelly – Vegetable oil works! And I’ve never tried using a substitute for the brown sugar in this recipe so I can’t say with certainty what would work. Let me know if you give maple syrup a shot!
So many compliments on this one! Kids and the hubby can’t get enough! So much tastier and CHEAPER than store bought! Thank you :)
YESSSS! So glad you’re enjoying this recipe, Sianna!
I thought I would try these granola bars and I’m back to print the recipe again! They were incredibly easy to make and just as good to eat! Much better than store bought!
Woohoo! Love hearing this, Jen!
These are delicious – I’ve tried a bunch of different recipes, as my family loves home made granola bars, and was so happy to find one with no butter added but still super tasty and chewy. Great for snack time for busy kids and adults.
YESSSS! I’m SO thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kat!
I’ve made the granola bars several times. The frist time I made them with the chocolate chips and a little more peanut butter. I did not have peanut butter chips. The ladt few time chocolate chips & raisins. Everyone loves these.
I’m thrilled to hear you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Geri!
Exceptional starter recipe. Give the ability to use items on hand. Not quite sweet enough. Next time — and there will be a next time — I’ll add some Truvia.
Should they be refrigerated after cooling?? What is the expected shelf life
Hi George! You can store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Love them I was wonder how many calories they are per bar??
Hi Alexa! To find the estimated nutritional info for one bar just click on the purple button below the recipe that says ESTIMATED NUTRITION INFORMATION.
These turned out well. Tiny bit dry. Instead of chips, I mixed in raisins and peanuts. (My husband said choc chips would have been better haha). I made a half batch in a 8×8 pan. Thanks for the recipe. I will make them again.
Love your additions, Christina!
Great recipe, taste incredible, my kids loved it
So glad to hear this, Rosa!
VERY GOOD RECIPE. I HAVE KIDS WITH TREE NUT ALLERGIES SO THIS WAS GREAT FOR THEM AND EVERYONE ELSE LIKED IT TOO. I DIDN’T USE THE PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS ONLY USED 1/2 CUP MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS. THEY ARE NOT AS SWEET AS THE STORE BOUGHT GRANOLA BARS BUT VERY GOOD AND WE COULD ALL USE TO CONSUME LESS SUGAR. I AM GOING TO TRY ADDING SOME FLAX SEED TO NEXT BATCH
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Stacy!
These were fantastic! Made them recently and took them on a trip and they were great snacks! Question though – I let them cool for a few hours before cutting them up, and they still crumbled up a bit. What would you suggest to keep them firmer over the long run? Sort of like a more generic bar you might buy at the store (Clif, or Lara)? Thanks!
Looking forward to trying these! Could I substitute maple syrup for the honey?
Absolutely!
Could you substitute any of the chocolate/peanut butter chips for dried fruit?
That should work!
I’ve made these multiple times over the past few weeks & absolutely LOVE them! So easy to make & extra tasty!
Thank you for the amazing recipe!!
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Amanda!
These are delicious! This is my first time making homemade granola bars. The first time mine did not stick together very well but I’m trying for a second time. I ended up just eating the mixture on top of plain greek yogurt for breakfast. Super yummy and filling!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ashley! Here’s a tip: DON’T rush the cooling process. It’s important to allow the bars to cool in the pan for a full 2 hours so that they hold their shape post-slicing. :)
Just made a batch wondering how i should keep them fresh, would you recommend fridge stored or dry stored?
Hi Bailee – You can store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Absolutely Delicious! These go fast among my family and friends. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Uso!
Love these bars! I used all peanut butter chips and added a tsp of cinnamon. Excellent! Thanks for the recipe
You are so welcome, Stacy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I would love to try the peanut butter version but Can I use choc hazelnut instead of peanut butter?
Sure!
Oh my goodness I made this for all of us I used peanut butter and cranberries it was great thank you. I did not have to add a lot to make it taste wonderful. Thank you!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jeneen!
Wonderful recipe, great inspiration! I added cacao, removed sugar for my second try. Very delicious and crunchy with almonds and dry white mulberries.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Zia!
Mmmm just made these- divine
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Terri! :)
My kids love this bars. I’m always on the hunt for quick snacks for weekdays when everyone is running around. This is a keeper for me. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome, Grace!