Introduction

These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a perfect blend of crunchy oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet mini peanut butter cups. They make a delicious and energizing snack that’s easy to prepare and great for on-the-go. With a homemade touch, you can enjoy a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (see notes)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup pure honey
1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
3 tablespoons melted chocolate
3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir frequently and warm the mixture for about 2–3 minutes without letting it boil.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Press it firmly into the pan, using the bottom of a glass if needed, to ensure it is tightly packed.
Step 5: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top of the granola.
Step 6: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready, lift the granola out using the parchment overhang and cut into 8 bars with a sharp knife.
Step 7: If desired, immediately drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars, followed by the melted peanut butter. The drizzles will set quickly due to the cold bars.
Step 8: Enjoy your granola bars right away or store them in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Use natural peanut butter for a smooth, creamy texture without added sugars or oils.
Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together better when cut.
Try adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
If you want nut-free bars, substitute the peanuts and peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and roasted sunflower seeds.
For a chewier bar, swap part of the oats with quick oats or add a tablespoon of maple syrup.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will stay good for up to 1 week. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or at room temperature. Avoid leaving them out too long, as the peanut butter and chocolate can soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by using certified gluten-free rolled oats, you can ensure these granola bars are gluten-free.

Can I freeze the granola bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or in layers with parchment and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.

Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a delicious no-bake treat combining wholesome oats, crunchy peanuts, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness from honey and molasses. Topped with mini peanut butter cups and a drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter, they make a perfect snack or dessert that’s easy to make and satisfyingly rich.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup pure honey
1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping and Garnish

1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups
3 tablespoons melted chocolate
3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later; set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts. Set aside.
Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the natural creamy peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir frequently and warm gently for about 2-3 minutes without bringing to a boil, allowing the mixture to become well combined and warmed through.
Combine Mixtures: Remove the peanut butter mixture from heat and immediately pour it into the bowl with the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything together thoroughly until all dry ingredients are coated and combined.
Press Into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly using the bottom of a glass or spatula to compact the bars tightly together.
Add Toppings: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then evenly press the mini peanut butter cups into the top surface of the granola.
Chill to Set: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to harden. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling allows the bars to set firmly for easy cutting.
Cut Bars: Once chilled, remove the pan and lift the granola block out using the parchment paper. Cut into 8 equal bars with a sharp knife.
Drizzle Garnish: If desired, immediately drizzle the top of the bars with melted chocolate followed by melted peanut butter. The cold bars will cause the drizzles to harden quickly, adding a decorative finish.
Store and Serve: Enjoy the bars right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 1 week.

Notes

Use old fashioned rolled oats for best texture; quick oats will make the bars less chewy.
If you prefer, substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped peanut butter candies or chopped peanuts for topping.
To melt chocolate and peanut butter, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to ensure bars hold together well after chilling.

Keywords: granola bars, peanut butter, no-bake, snack bars, homemade granola bars, peanut butter cups, healthy snack