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Chocolate and Peanut Granola Bars are easy to make snacks that are perfect for popping into lunchboxes! A handful of pantry staples are all mixed together to make this simple no bake recipe. Every bite is filled with chocolatey, crunchy, peanut buttery goodness!
The granola bar options at the grocery store seem limitless these days. There are just SO many different colorful boxes advertising different flavors and benefits, but you know what? I don’t think any of them can truly hold a candle to these homemade Chocolate and Peanut Granola Bars.
These bars are oh so simple to make. This recipe calls for just 5 minutes of prep time – yes, you read that right. If you’re in the middle of back to school madness, this is a great time saving recipe for you! Plus, you still get the bragging rights of being the parent that made homemade granola bars. It’s a real win-win!
Chocolate and Peanut Granola bars may be simple, but they’re also so very satisfying. Crunchy peanuts and peanut butter create the perfect amount of peanut flavor and the chocolate drizzle always satisfies my sweet tooth! Well, that and the delicious amount of honey that’s also in the mix. You’ll love making these crunchy, sweet, and filling granola bars for your kiddo… Because then you get to sneak a bite, too!
**As always, please adhere to your school’s guidelines on food allergies**
What You’ll Need:
- Brown Sugar – You can always make your own by combining a tablespoon of molasses with a cup of white sugar.
- Honey – Don’t substitute this with maple syrup! Honey is the best flavor and binding ingredient for the bars.
- Butter – Keep it unsalted for the best flavor.
- Coconut Oil – This is what gives the chocolate the perfectly smooth consistency.
- Peanut Butter – Since we’re adding the nuts in ourselves, use creamy peanut butter.
- Oats – Old-fashioned oats make these bars so chewy!
- Salted Peanuts – You can opt for unsalted if you’d like. I just enjoy the salty and sweet combo.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – You can use milk chocolate if you’d prefer, but keep in mind that the dark chocolate helps to add sweetness without making these bars overly sweet.
- Sea Salt – Flaky sea salt is an optional (but very highly recommended) topping.
How to Make Chocolate and Peanut Granola Bars
For more detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post.
First, create a smooth mixture of ingredients. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, and coconut oil. Mix in the peanut butter.
Add the chunky ingredients. Stir in the oats and 1/2 of the peanuts.
Transfer to a baking sheet and chill. Tightly pack the mixture into a prepared baking dish. Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Add chocolate! After the bars have chilled, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave the mixture, then drizzle the chocolate over the sliced bars. Transfer to the fridge once more to set.
Common Questions
There’s a peanut allergy in my household, can I make these peanut-free? Yes, you can substitute almond or cashew butter (if there is no tree nut allergy, of course) or even sunbutter. I would omit the peanuts and use another nut or add in dried fruit instead.
How long will Chocolate and Peanut Granola Bars stay fresh? In an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. I recommend keeping them in the fridge so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
Can I use quick oats? Yes! I prefer old fashioned oats for their texture, but quick oats will certainly work in a pinch.
Can I add M&M’s or other candies to this? Yes! Try to stick to mini-sized candies because if there’s too much texture, the bars will have a harder time staying together.
Can I make this with white chocolate or milk chocolate? Yes! You can dip them in whatever you like.
Back to school so soon?! Make sure you use these kid-friendly recipes to treat your little scholar to the best snacks!
Homemade Chocolate Chips and Walnuts Granola Bars
Breakfast Sandwiches (Freezer-Friendly)
Chocolate and Peanut Granola Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, light or dark
- ⅓ cup (113 g) honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
- ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (162 g) old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup (110 g) salted peanuts, divided
- 1 cup (180 g) dark chocolate chips
- Flaked sea salt, to garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, and coconut oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter and melted.
- Add the peanut butter and whisk to combine — the mixture will thicken slightly.
- Once the peanut butter is combined, add the oats and 1/2 cup of peanuts. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the granola to the baking dish and sprinkle over the remaining 1/4 cup of peanuts.
- Press the mixture into the pan, making sure to pack it tightly — you don’t want your granola bars to fall apart! Be careful, the mixture will be hot!
- Transfer the bars to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Once the bars have cooled, combine the chocolate and remaining two tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl. Microwave until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Slice the bars and sip or drizzle the chocolate over them. Transfer the bars to the fridge to set.
- Keep chilled (to prevent the chocolate from melting) and enjoy within 5 days.
Notes
- Make sure to use honey— unfortunately this recipe doesn’t work with maple syrup.
- I used old fashioned oats because I prefer the texture, but quick cook oats will work too!
- I used roasted, salted peanuts but use whatever you have on hand.
These are so good that 5 stars aren’t enough. You’d think you’re eating an expensive chocolate bar. My husband ate two in a row!