No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
• 0.5 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)
• 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 0.5 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruits. Mix well.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until melted and smooth, stirring constantly. Do not boil.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until all ingredients are well coated. If using, fold in mini chocolate chips.
5. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and pour the granola mixture into the dish. Press it down firmly with the back of a spatula to ensure it holds together.
6. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
7. Once set, remove from the refrigerator, lift by the parchment paper, and cut into bars or squares.