Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Print Version)

Soft, chewy bars loaded with apple, oats, and peanut butter. No baking required—just chill and enjoy these wholesome treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crispy rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup dried apple, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, dried apple, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt.
03 - In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. With a spatula or your hands, press firmly and evenly into the pan to compact the mixture.
06 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet dried apple and salty peanut butter hits every craving at once
  • You can prep the entire recipe in under 15 minutes with zero baking required
  • They stay perfectly chewy all week when stored in the fridge
02 -
  • These absolutely must be refrigerated to hold together properly because they soften at room temperature
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is the single most important step for bars that do not crumble apart
  • Letting the wet mixture cool slightly before pouring prevents the dried apple from becoming overly soft
03 -
  • Warm your knife under hot water before cutting for the cleanest slices through the sticky mixture
  • Measure the peanut butter and honey directly into the same bowl you will heat them in to save dishes
  • If your mixture feels too dry, add another tablespoon of honey and mix again before pressing into the pan

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