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Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/peanut-butter-cup-granola-bars-recipe/