Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know that finding a snack that’s both satisfying and a little indulgent can be a bit tricky. That’s why I absolutely adore this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe—it hits that perfect sweet-and-salty note while still feeling wholesome. These bars aren’t just good; they’re made with real, simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they come together super quickly, making them my go-to fix for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.
What makes this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe stand out is the combo of smooth peanut butter, melty mini chocolate chips, and the delightful crunch from pepitas. I’ve taken these bars to picnics, school lunches, and weekend hikes, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never buy store-bought granola bars again because homemade just tastes so much better—and you get to control exactly what’s inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen for flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role in balancing creaminess, sweetness, and crunch.
- Creamy natural peanut butter: I recommend very smooth and natural to get that rich peanut flavor without extra additives. Cashew butter works nicely, too!
- Honey: This is the glue that binds everything while adding natural sweetness. Make sure it’s runny for easier mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
- Sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Whole rolled oats: The base and bulk of the bars, providing that classic chewy texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: These melt just enough to give you chocolatey pockets in every bite without running everywhere.
- Pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds): They add a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness; crushed peanuts or cashews make great alternatives.
Variations
I love how flexible this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have or your dietary needs. Making it your own keeps it fun and means you’ll always want to come back to this snack.
- Nut-free version: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use toasted sunflower seeds instead of pepitas. I tried this for a friend’s allergy, and it was a hit.
- Extra protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or sprinkle in some chia seeds for a boost—perfect for a post-workout snack.
- Different mix-ins: Dried fruit like cranberries or chopped apples give a chewy twist, and shredded coconut adds a tropical vibe I’ve personally enjoyed for brunch snacks.
- Chocolate variations: Dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate work beautifully. I sometimes add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter and Honey Blend
Start by warming your peanut butter and honey together gently in a saucepan over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. This softens the peanut butter and makes the mixture easier to combine. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, making sure everything is smooth and well blended. You want a nice, runny base that will hold the bars together without being too sticky or thick.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss your rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas together. This way, when you add the wet peanut butter mixture, it gets evenly distributed without over-melting the chocolate chips. If your oats are super dry or old, consider toasting them lightly in a pan first—it adds a lovely nutty aroma that really elevates the granola bars.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Press
Pour the peanut butter-honey mixture into the oats-chocolate-pepita mix and stir thoroughly until everything is coated and sticks together well. This part can get a bit sticky, so I find using a spatula or even clean hands works best. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan; press evenly and firmly, so the bars don’t crumble later. I like using the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out—it’s a game-changer!
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pop the pan into the fridge for at least two hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling step helps everything firm up perfectly so your bars hold their shape and slice easily. I usually cover with plastic wrap to keep them fresh, and after chilling, they cut like a dream into neat squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a few extra pepitas or mini chocolate chips on top before pressing the bars into the pan for a pretty presentation. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a lovely gloss and extra yum factor. Fresh raspberries or a dusting of sea salt right before serving is another simple twist that I love sharing with friends.
Side Dishes
These Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee—my morning ritual! They’re great alongside fresh fruit or yogurt too, especially if you want to build a more filling breakfast or snack plate. I sometimes serve them with a smoothie for an easy on-the-go combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I like to cut these bars into bite-sized squares and serve them in mini cupcake liners at brunch parties. It makes them look extra special and easy for guests to grab. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine is also my go-to when gifting snacks—it feels cozy and homemade in the best way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep their texture well for up to a week, though honestly, they rarely last that long around here. If you like them a bit chewier, take them out about 10 minutes before eating so they soften slightly at room temperature.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars! I find it best to slice them first, then wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw bars in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. It’s a great way to keep a stash ready for busy days.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t often necessary, but if you want a warm, gooey granola bar, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders. Just don’t overdo it, or the bars might start to melt and lose their structure. You’ll get a lovely melty chocolate bite every time.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can! Just know that crunchy peanut butter will change the texture slightly, adding more nutty chunks to your bars. If you love an extra crunch, go for it—but if you want bars that hold together more uniformly, smooth peanut butter tends to work better.
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What if I don’t have pepitas—what’s a good substitute?
No pepitas? No problem! Crushed peanuts, cashews, or even almonds are excellent alternatives. I often swap based on what I have, and each gives the bars a slightly different but tasty crunch.
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How long do these homemade granola bars last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe will last about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, the bars remain tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten.
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Are these bars vegan?
If you swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, then yes, these Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe can be made vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe has become one of my absolute staple snacks because it’s so reliable, tasty, and versatile. Whether you’re packing lunches, prepping for a hike, or just craving a bite of something sweet but satisfying, these bars deliver every time. I hope you enjoy making (and munching!) on them as much as I do—it really feels good to bake something homemade that’s quick, delicious, and keeps well. Give it a try next time you want to snack smart, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
PrintHomemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips and Pepitas Recipe
These Homemade Granola Bars are a deliciously chewy and nutritious snack made with creamy natural peanut butter, honey, oats, and a touch of vanilla. Enhanced with mini chocolate chips and crunchy pepitas, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them ideal for on-the-go energy boosts or a healthy treat at any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter, or cashew butter
- ⅔ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons pepitas, or crushed peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy natural peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended into a smooth, slightly runny mixture.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the whole rolled oats to the wet mixture, folding gently to ensure the oats are evenly coated. Then, fold in the mini chocolate chips and pepitas until they are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Press into Pan: Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands to create a compact, uniform layer.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and hold together when cut.
- Cut into Bars: Once set, remove the mixture from the pan using the parchment paper as a sling. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares of your desired size.
- Store Properly: Store the granola bars in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter and pepitas with sunflower seed butter and sunflower seeds respectively.
- Mini chocolate chips can be replaced with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a less sweet alternative.
- Press bars firmly to ensure they hold together after chilling.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
- If bars are too sticky, briefly refrigerate the mixture before pressing into the pan.
Keywords: homemade granola bars, peanut butter granola bars, no bake granola bars, healthy snacks, easy granola bars
