Simple and Nutritious Peanut Butter Granola Bars

After having my third child, I have noticed that I am purchasing more pre-made items at the grocery store that I used to make at home. This is something I am not proud of. Granola bars are one of those items. However, upon examining the list of ingredients on the store-bought granola package, I had to pause, especially since what I consume, my child also consumes.

Luckily, I recalled a very simple recipe for granola bars that I used to make very often. To my surprise, it is still very easy to make and my child is happy to sit in his wrap for the brief 5 minutes it takes me to mix all the ingredients together.

To prepare a tray of these nutritious granola bars, you only require five ingredients, a bowl, and a mere five minutes. These soft-baked bars are gluten-free, filled with chocolate chips, and make for an ideal guilt-free snack.

A stack of homemade granola bars with chocolate chips as part of 6 freezer breakfast recipes.

Avoid Going to the Supermarket

One of my primary concerns with commercially-made granola bars is their excessive use of ingredients and inclusion of processed sugars and various preservatives. While this may increase their shelf life, it is not the ideal choice for my personal health.

Although it is possible to create homemade granola bars that are just as unhealthy as store-bought ones, where’s the enjoyment in that? Our granola bars, developed by a dietitian, use only natural ingredients and do not contain any refined sugar. The best part is that you are fully aware of the ingredients used. These bars have a delightful peanut butter taste, a rich chocolate flavor, a subtle sweetness, and a soft baked texture – a combination that can’t be beat.

Get These Items

1. 1. Old-fashioned Rolled Oats – opt for the simple and traditional rolled oats.
   2. Natural Peanut Butter – we prefer the drippy type of peanut butter that only contains peanuts and a bit of salt, but any type of nut or seed butter can be substituted, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sesame seed butter. Note: If your peanut butter is solid at room temperature, you can heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to achieve a thinner consistency.
   3. Maple Syrup – honey or brown rice syrup can also be used as substitutes; this ingredient helps the oats stick together.
   4. Chocolate Chips – because peanut butter and chocolate make a perfect pair; either milk or dark chocolate can be used.
   5. Eggs – I will explain how to make an egg-free version in the steps below and in the recipe card.

Additional options – use your imagination with whatever ingredients you have available, or allow your children to take on the role of chefs and pick their preferred additions! This is how Registered Dietitian Jessica came up with an excellent compilation of her family’s top substitutions and combinations (more details on that later).

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Picture from above showing granola bars with chocolate chips and peanut butter on a wire cooling rack.

Guidelines for Avoiding Substitutions and Errors

Together, Jessica and I collaborated on this recipe. It was crucial for her to have an egg-free option due to her allergy. This prompted us to consider the fact that a number of our audience also have food allergies or children with allergies. As a result, we have found a solution to make this recipe suitable for everyone. Below, we share what has been successful for us (and what to avoid) when making substitutions.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience with us after trying out this recipe, whether you made any substitutions or not.

• • Gluten-free — Although rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, they may come into contact with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye during processing, which can cause contamination. It is important to use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola bars that are intended for those with celiac disease.

• • Nut-free — You can replace peanut butter with alternatives such as sunflower seed butter, tahini, or pumpkin seed butter.

• • Dairy-free — For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free mini chocolate chips like Enjoy Life brand.

• • Egg-free and vegan — Instead of using eggs, you can substitute 2 “flax eggs.” To make enough flax egg mixture for this recipe, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed (or flaxseed meal) with 5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the recipe. Using flaxseed can also help the bars hold together better.

• • High-protein — If desired, you can add your favorite protein powder to the recipe. Simply replace ½ cup of oats with ½ cup of protein powder. Need help choosing a protein powder? Check out our comprehensive reviews of the best Whey Protein Powders and Plant-Based Protein Powders.

Different Versions and Enhancements

We have created a recipe for gluten-free granola bars with limited ingredients, but feel free to personalize them by incorporating additional ingredients. Jessica’s family is a testament to this!

Just do a speedy check of the items in your pantry and use your creativity to come up with ideas using what you already have.

We have compiled a list of some of our most beloved new features, which include:

• • Dehydrated fruit (experiment with dehydrated blueberries, cherries, cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)

• • Unsweetened coconut shreds

• • Sunflower or pumpkin kernels

• • Chia grains

• • Hemp seeds

• • Splash of almond or vanilla essence

• • Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)

• • Seasonings (cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, etc.)

Storing Techniques

During my weekly meal prepping, I make sure to include a recipe for energy bites or bars. This has become even more essential now that I have a baby and need convenient grab-and-go food options.

These granola bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 10 days. It is important to allow them to cool completely before cutting and storing. However, it is unlikely that they will remain uneaten for that duration.

These are also suitable for freezing!

To be truthful, while meal prep may seem like a great idea, it’s not always feasible (at least in my experience). However, I’ve experimented with freezing these bars and the outcome was extremely satisfying. Here’s a guide on how to maximize the lifespan of your recipe.

In order to store these homemade granola bars for future use:

1. 1. Follow the instructions for preparing the recipe.
   2. After the bars have been cooled and cut, place them in a sealed container or bag that is suitable for freezing. Place parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. (Do not skip this step as it will make it difficult to separate them later.)
   3. Label the freezer bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
   4. When you are ready to eat a few bars, allow them to thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a minute or two until warm.

Is Consuming Granola Bars Beneficial for Health?

Granola bars are often considered a popular choice for a healthy snack, but they can be just as detrimental to one’s health as a bag of chips or a candy bar, depending on the brand or recipe. When evaluating the ingredients of a granola bar, here are some important factors to consider:

Are the sugar levels unusually high? The recipe has 9 grams of sugar (along with 3g of fiber) per bar. I make an effort to avoid bars that have more than 35 grams of sugar.
How many components are included in the bars? Homemade granola bars generally have fewer ingredients compared to store-bought bars which may have a high amount of preservatives and ingredients that are better off not being consumed.
Regarding store-bought bars – what is the quality of the brand? Not all store-bought granola bars are unhealthy. Certain brands prioritize fewer ingredients, sugar, and preservatives. If you’re pressed for time and unable to make them at home, opt for a more responsible brand instead.

The recipe we have developed offers a number of health benefits that may influence your decision.

• • Oats: Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been proven to lower LDL and total cholesterol. In addition, they promote a healthy gut microbiome and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• • Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is an excellent choice for its supply of healthy monounsaturated fats, B vitamins, magnesium, and protein.

• • Eggs: Eggs are a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides high-quality protein, healthy fats, iron, and two beneficial eye-health compounds, lutein and zeaxanthin.

For a speedy and nutritious breakfast, these bars go well with a hard-boiled egg, yogurt, or a mix of nuts and seeds. This is my preferred method of starting the day with a sufficient amount of protein and energy!