Description

A simple, 5-ingredient chewy granola bar recipe that is perfect for busy school mornings. These bars are sticky, sweet, packed with fiber, and stay soft for days.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease the parchment.
In a small saucepan over low heat or a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey until smooth and pourable. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and dried cranberries. Toss to distribute the fruit evenly.
Pour the warm peanut butter-honey mixture over the oats. Stir vigorously until every oat is coated and the mixture binds together.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and tightly with a spatula or the back of a greased spoon to eliminate air pockets.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Press the mixture down firmly to ensure chewy texture. Do not cut while hot or they will fall apart. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or in the freezer for 3 months. Use natural peanut butter for best binding. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup, but bars will be softer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 50
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 1.5
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: granola bars, breakfast bars, healthy breakfast, easy recipe, 5-ingredient recipe, school breakfast, chewy granola bars, oat bars