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Healthy No-Bake Granola Bars Kids Love (Easy 15-Min Recipe)

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These healthy no-bake granola bars are chewy, kid-approved, and ready in just 15 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, they hold together perfectly and are endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or peanuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 2 tablespoons flax seeds or chia seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray with cooking spray if desired.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped almonds, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. Stir to distribute evenly.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil.
  4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well coated. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb liquid.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or a flat-bottomed measuring cup, especially into the corners.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is better) until firm. For faster setting, freeze for 30 minutes.
  7. Lift the block out using the parchment handles. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. Run the knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for cleaner edges.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before pressing to allow oats to absorb liquid. Press firmly into the pan for bars that hold together. Chill completely before cutting. For best texture, store in the refrigerator. Bars taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, healthy granola bars, kid-friendly snacks, easy granola bars, homemade granola bars, peanut butter granola bars

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/healthy-no-bake-granola-bars-kids-love-easy-15-min-recipe/