Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Printable)
Soft and chewy bars loaded with dried apple, oats, and creamy peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy these wholesome treats anytime.
# 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 (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
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 for vegan option)
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, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt.
03 - Warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan until smooth and runny. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with a spatula or hands to compact.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars.
08 - Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture walks this perfect line between chewy and substantial without any baking whatsoever
- You can customize the mix-ins based on whatever is languishing in your pantry right now
02 -
- Pressing the mixture into the pan with more force than feels natural is the secret to bars that do not crumble apart
- Letting them warm to room temperature makes cutting much cleaner and prevents ragged edges
03 -
- Weighing the pressed down mixture should give you about 20 ounces total for the perfect thickness
- Mixing the wet ingredients in a jar means you can just shake to combine and pour directly into the dry mixture