3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars (GF): this homemade peanut butter granola bars recipe is so EASY! The best oatmeal peanut butter granola bars recipe without honey, that tastes like honey roasted peanuts. Healthy, Vegan, Gluten Free.
Try the cookie version here.
Welcome to another throwback classic recipe from the Beaming Baker archives! This one’s too good to pass up. 😉 I’ve updated today’s recipe with brand new photos, a spruced up recipe and new recommended tools & tips. Hope you enjoy!
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“Two thumbs up!”
That’s what my sister Jenny just texted me this morning. According to Jenny, that’s my 3-and-a-half-year-old nephew Dylan’s final, locked-in rating of these homemade peanut butter granola bars! Woot woot!
Recently, I sent Jenny, Dylan (aka “PB”), and Grams a tasty little care package full of this peanut butter granola bar recipe, a top secret new oil free peanut butter oatmeal breakfast cookies and two big batches of no bake PB oatmeal cookie dough bars. When they finally got the package (I’m the worst at waiting for fresh-baked goodies to arrive), we did our usual FaceTime unboxing.
Erik says it’s very similar to those YouTube unboxing vids people do with monthly subscriptions—complete with a swinging camera, a zoomed-in hand holding one object still for the camera to focus on it, and lots of nosiness on our part as to whatever’s going on in the background.
We had our usual banter of “Seriously, have you washed your hair yet??” to “When did you get that sweater?” and “Why did you go shopping without meeeee?” and my mom’s typical “It’s really cold in Boston, but nothing’s as cold as Maine!! Wait, WHY do you live there again??”
My Family’s Favorite No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bar Recipe
But nothing’s as good as the moment when they bite into the baked goods. 🙂 Jenny’s absolute favorite were the no bake PB cookie dough bars; and to my delight, Grams and PB’s fave were these No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars.
Apparently, though, PB had to give these no bake peanut butter granola bars yet another try. Ya know, just to make sure and whatnot. 😉 PB gave his final, final two thumbs up rating after much deliberation and careful thought this weekend.
Did I mention he’s 3 ½ years old?
He’s at that amazing age where you can still trick him into thinking a strawberry peanut butter smoothie is a milkshake, “challenge” him into a whisper game for “fun,” or make him think that peanut butter granola bars are candy bars, and that having good manners is so in keeping with his future career as a superhero. 😉
I mean, obviously, Luke Cage, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, etc. totally have the best manners ever, love fruits and vegetables, and speak with their library voices when fighting crime. Like, duh.
And even more duh, they eat “candy bars” like these Code Name: Granola Bars for extra energy and for dessert. Like, all the time. But seriously though, these no bake peanut butter granola bars totally remind me of honey roasted peanuts and Chick-o-Sticks. Remember those?? So delightfully crispy, peanut buttery and chewy… *happy sigh*
Before I get super distracted thinking about all the ways I can somehow morph these oatmeal peanut butter granola bars into candy bars (not as a code name, like at all), let me tell you all about these…
3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Can it be any easier? My homemade peanut butter granola bar recipe only requires 3 ingredients: all vegan, gluten free & healthy! Check it out:
- Natural Peanut Butter (try homemade peanut butter!)
- Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- Pure Maple Syrup
TLDR: Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
My 3 Ingredient Gluten Free No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are:
- super easy to make, ready in minutes
- deliciously firm and chewy, satisfyingly thick
- made with just 3 ingredients (like these amazing 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Cups (Healthy, Vegan, GF)
- satisfyingly nutty and sweet, like honey-roasted peanuts
- bursting with gluten free oats
- made with deliciously healthy ingredients
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
Recommended Tools for Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- Gluten Free Rolled Oats – the search for gluten free old fashioned oats is over! Here ya go. 😉
- Unsalted Natural, Creamy Peanut Butter – I love using simple, whole ingredients in my recipes and this one’s no exception. I love that this natural peanut butter does not include any extra, unnecessary ingredients like added salt, oil or sugar.
- Nested Glass Mixing Bowls – These glass mixing bowls are strong, sturdy and come out whenever it’s time for me to heat up my no bake recipes. They store nicely, all stacked up and nested together. 🙂
And did I mention these peanut butter granola bars are made with just 3 ingredients? Oh wait, I did! Okay, now that I have the attention span of a 3 ½ year old, I can stop being all judgy of said 3 ½ year old. So…. Sorry, PB! Will you gather these 3 simple ingredients and no bake with me? I’m so happy about tricking all the youngins into thinking these are candy bars creating delicious, homemade treats with you. I can’t wait to hear what you think. ‘Til next time…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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Check out the No Bake Cookie version of these bars here!
Recipes like Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- No Bake Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
- No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites (Vegan, Gluten Free)
- Healthy Homemade Coconut Granola Bars
- No Bake Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars (Vegan, GF, Dairy-Free)
- 4 Ingredient Healthy No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Oat Bars – Vegan, Gluten Free
- Homemade Paleo Granola Bars Recipe (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Oat Free)
3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars (GF)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars 1x
Description
3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars (GF): this homemade peanut butter granola bars recipe so EASY! The best oatmeal peanut butter granola bars recipe without honey, that tastes like honey roasted peanuts. Healthy, Vegan, Gluten Free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy homemade peanut butter or store-bought
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 ½ cups gluten free rolled oats
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. You can also use a granola bar pan set on a small cookie sheet for stability. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan—you will need it later.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl (large enough to add oats later), add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed. Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm, fragrant, and bubbles begin to form. Whisk in between heating increments. *Stovetop instructions in Notes.
- Add oats to the peanut butter mixture. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the rubber spatula, smooth into an even, tightly packed layer. If using a granola bar pan, evenly distribute mixture into the crevices in the pan. Using a small spoon, press down into a very tightly-packed layer.
- Freeze for 25-35 minutes, or until firm and completely chilled. Slice into 18 bars (3 columns by 6 rows), or release bars from granola bar pan. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Adapted from my 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies.
Recipes like Oatmeal Peanut Butter Granola Bars:
Equipment
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Unsalted Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
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Notes
- Where to Buy Ingredients: Gluten Free Rolled Oats | Unsalted Natural, Creamy Peanut Butter | Pure Maple Syrup
- *Stovetop Instructions: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk until well incorporated. Stir occasionally, heating until this mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and carefully pour over oats (in a heatproof mixing bowl).
- Refrigerator Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
- Room Temperature Storage: After the first day, you can store them at room temperature—they’ll be more firm.
- Nutrition Information: is an estimate based on the ingredients listed in Where to Buy Ingredients. Also, it’s estimated based on 18 bars per recipe.
- Recommended Tools: Glass Mixing Bowls | Granola Bar Pan | Chef’s Knife | 8-inch Square Baking Pan
- Category: Snacks, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: gluten free peanut butter granola bar recipe, homemade peanut butter granola bars, no bake peanut butter granola bars
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
Recommended Tools for Easy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Granola Bars!
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Delicious and super easy to make! I will definitely make them again!
★★★★★
Thanks Tammi! I’m so glad you enjoyed my recipe. 🙂 Happy eating!
These granola bars are so easy! I love that they only need three ingredients ! They taste delicious.
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Yep! Easy and tasty, the perfect combo! .
Looks so good! I know my family would go nuts over this.
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Haha that’s awesome Katie!
I love how easy these bars are to make! My kids love them!
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Yay! These bars are definitely a hit with the little ones!
Wow! What a great recipe! Can’t wait to make it.
Can’t wait to hear what you think Soniya!
You had me at peanut butter. I love making my own granola bars and these look delicious.
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LOL aren’t peanut butter treats the best? 🙂
These bars were so easy to mix up and my daughter loves them! They were perfect to tuck in her lunchbox and for an after school snack.
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Woohoo! So happy they were a bit! .
This is a genius recipe! These granola bars look super delicious and so easy. I can’t wait to make these. Thanks!
★★★★★
Awe thank you Colleen! . I know you’re gonna love them!
These are SO good!!! Just what I need for the mid-afternoon slump!
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Exactly! They always hit the spot! .
I love an easy recipe but I love peanut butter more! Definitely a recipe for me!
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Haha sounds like this is perfect for you Amanda!
Can I used steel cut oats instead? Thank you!
Hi Joe! I think that should work, but I haven’t tried it myself. Let me know how it goes!
I added a 3/4 cup of finely crushed cornflakes to 2 cups oats (this brand of flakes had no eggs or milk, not that I am vegan), teasp cinnamon, 2 teasp brown sugar, 2 tablesp margarine, 2 tablesp cheap maple syrup, 3 tablesp thick honey , a dash of cornsyrup. sprinkled in walnuts & peanuts. 2 teasp cane sugar, about 3/4 cup of peanut butter. Heated wet ingredients in (plus cane sugar) at level 2 in microwave for about 30-60 seconds poured over dry, spread in pan. FYI to newbies, use a thick honey, not a spreadable version, your bars will hold together, and don’t over use wet ingredients otherwise you’ll have mush. mine turned out great.
A quick and easy to make snack or dessert treat! So delicious!
★★★★★
Oh totally! Thanks Anissa!
There are few things I love more than no bake AND 3 ingredient recipes! Will be making these guys- yum!
★★★★★
Yeah!! Me too! If I hear the words “no bake” and “3 ingredients”, you KNOW I’m there! Enjoy!
I cannot believe how easy these granola bars are to make!
★★★★★
Right?!? Couldn’t be easier! 😉
These bars look amazing! And just 3 ingredients?? Sounds like my kind of treat. Love that they are vegan too.
★★★★★
Thanks Michelle! Hope you enjoy!
These Granola Bars looks so delicious! I love that they only include 3 ingredients.
★★★★★
Thanks so much! They’re too easy to make! Hehe!
I test-drove a half recipe in an 8×4-inch loaf pan. Very easy to make, and not expensive for us as we make our own maple syrup. (First World problem, I know!)
Oh my! My husband loved these bars and said the grandkids will think they are a great cool treat at the beach this summer.
After cutting, I stored in the fridge.
★★★★★
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that the bars are such a hit Joyce! . Wow, homemade maple syrup? What a treat! Sounds like you and the grandkids will have a super fun summer!
Do you know if this would work with honey instead of syrup?
Hi Ariana, yes, that would work! I know of other readers who’ve tried that and liked it. Enjoy!
How much does 1 bar weigh in grams? Important
Yum!!
I added half a cup or so dairy free chocolate chips and a cup of honey roasted peanuts and used honey instead of maple syrup as that is what I had.
I love the flexibility of your recipes. Thank you!!!
★★★★★
Loving all the subs Jennifer, they sound like such a tasty combo! Thank you for the kind words–it means a lot! 🙂
I didn’t freeze mine. I left them in the counter overnight and they came out great. I added chocolate chips to mine.
Fantastic Anna! And the addition of chocolate chips sounds just delish. Happy no-baking! 🙂
I now make these every week for my family. I add raisins and cereal that is going stale. Easy, delicious, love it!
★★★★★
Oh gosh, what a great idea to use up that soon-to-be stale cereal! So happy that you love my recipe. Enjoy! 🙂
These were delicious! I wrapped each one in a little wax paper so they wouldn’t get messy on the kid’s hands. Fantastic and simple recipe:) Thanks for sharing.
So glad you and your little ones enjoyed these, Finnley! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for this recipe, I love it! But for the storing instructions, do you mean store at room temperature the first day, and then refrigerator the following 1-2 weeks?
Hi Ellie, sorry for the confusion (also, great question!). I meant to list two separate options, one for those who prefer to store it at room temperature, and one for those who prefer refrigerator. I just edited these instructions. So glad you love them! 🙂
Do you know how long they will last at room temperature?
Hi Ash, after the first day, you should be able to store them at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Just make sure they’re store in a cool, dark environment. 🙂
Hi, I love your recipes, I’m far from an experienced cook, which is why I wanted to ask a question. I added a banana to this recipe, which resulted in the bars, not ever firming up. What can I do to save this batch? Could I add some coconut flour and bake them?
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Hi Demetrios, thank you! Hmm… adding the banana definitely made things a bit more complicated. That’s kitchen testing for you! 🙂 I’m not exactly sure how to save these. Perhaps you could fold in 2-3 tablespoons of coconut flour and place them in the freezer to harden. Then slice and enjoy! Good luck!
I made this with Kirkland Signature’s almond butter because my little ones have allergies to peanuts. The recipe worked great! However, the almond butter and maple syrup mixture did not bubble. The granola bars were AMAZING anyway. ..I also added in in some coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. Yummy! .
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed these! The combo of coconut flakes, sunflower seeds and flax seeds sounds super delish! Thanks for letting me know how these turned out! 🙂
Just made these with Wow Butter because my son’s school is peanut free. I also used 1/4 cup maple syrup & 1/4 cup honey because I was low on maple syrup and subbed 1/2 cup of the oats for 1/2 cup toasted coconut. These were so easy & super yummy! Thanks for the recipe! I’ll definitely be making these for our school’s hot lunch program .
★★★★★
Awesome substitution ideas, Candi! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how these turned out. 🙂 The school’s hot lunch program is so lucky to have you making treats for them! 🙂
These sound really yummy 🙂 I was thinking, to add an extra crunchy texture, maybe I should toast the oats (and any additional nuts or seeds or coconut).
All of your ideas sound fantastic, Tammi! The oats would lend such a delicious, nutty flavor. 🙂 I’m working on a few nutty & coconut-y combos as we speak. Hope you get to experiment too and just love it. Happy no-baking!
Bahahahah- I so so love that y’all trick PB into thinking that a strawberry peanut butter smoothie is a milkshake!!! I used to trick my daughter (when she was a toddler of course) into thinking that yogurt was ice cream – then she went to a party once (when she was around 3.5) and I had my back to her and she was tasting someone else’s ice cream…. womp womp!!!!
Btw – I see whay these bars are Grams and PB’s fave!!! Demeter these No Bake Gluten Free Peanut Butter Granola Bars look wonderful and sound absolutely fabulous – so so sweet of ya to send your folks care packages of goodies like these! Looking forward to that brownie recipe! Happy FriYAY to you and Erik!
Lol. He falls for it, every time!!! 😉 Honestly, he really can’t tell the difference between a smoothie and ice cream at this age. It’s pretty awesome! Aw… womp womp indeed! What were you thinking, turning your back for a second? Lol. They sure do grow up fast! Happy FriYAY to you too, Shashi! Thanks for the kind words. xo
I would definitely give these bars two thumbs up, too! I mean, what’s not to love about pb granola bars that are SO easy to make?! This is definitely my kind of snack right here. You are reminding me that it’s been FORVER since I’ve made my own granola bars, so I’ve got to try these. And just three ingredients? Count me in! Such a pretty treat, Demeter! Pinned! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Aw, thanks Gayle! 🙂 There’s everything to love about these! Haha. But I might be a bit biased… 😉 Hope you try them and love ’em! Have a great weekend, my friend!
3 ingredient bars, 3 year old approval, 3 bars minimum for a proper serving, now if only I had them one of these delicious nutty guys in front of me I bet I could polish it off in about in about 3 seconds. Tops! It’s pretty impressive that when you scale a granola bar back to just it’s basic necessary elements it doesn’t take much for perfect peanut butter snack creation. And although mix-ins would kinda blow the whole 3 ingredient thing, can option 4 be All of The Above? Between fruit and chocolate I just can’t choose, so throw them all in please. Or coat them in chocolate and I would be tricked right along with under 5 crowd, because chocolate + pb = candy bar no matter if there are oats involved or not. Hopefully maybe we can finally catch up this weekend❤️ xo
So many 3’s, it must be something good! 😉 The Trifecta of YUM, right? 🙂 Seriously, if I scaled these back any further, we’d just have a jar of PB. Good, but not too creative. Haha. You can have any option you’d like, my dear! <3 Oh Nat, you KNOW I've got some serious chocolate plans for this guy! 😉 Looking forward to our epic chats! ❤️ xoxo
It is the cutest thing ever that you send your family edible care packages and then face time as they open them. I really need to be adopted into your family… like yesterday! 😉 And PB is absolutely the cutest kid EVER. I was already convinced of that, but every time you write about him I become MORE convinced. Anyways, I am so glad the beaming no baker came out to play today with these heavenly granola bars!! Did you know I’m OBSESSED with honey roasted peanuts?! In case you didn’t, I AM OBSESSED! I try to refrain from eating all the honey roasted peanuts, because CALORIES and lots of FAT. But, you can often find me hiding in a closet eating a super secret stash of honey roasted peanuts. Because DELICIOUS (and my closet doesn’t judge me). So the fact that these taste EXACTLY like honey roasted peanuts has me jazz hands type of happy! PLUS they are no bake? Ummmm. SOLD! Seriously, can’t wait to make these. And not share. 🙂 Pinned, obvi! Cheers, my sweets! Love ya! xoxo
P.s. How have I never heard of Chick-o-Sticks.! Googling that now!
★★★★★
Seriously, why are the papers taking so long to process??? 😉 He’s unbelievably smart and adult-like. It’s sweet and astonishing just interacting with him. Honey roasted peanuts: LOL. I’ll be sure to give you your much needed privacy during those special moments. . Hope you love them! Also, chick-o-sticks are like a combo of peanuts and coconut. SO. Good! Love ya! xoxo
These look great! I would want to eat the whole try!
They’re SO good! Thanks Patrick! 🙂
I find it so fascinating what you are able to make with so few ingredients, yet they end up SO delicious! I mean, 3 ingredients and you have these beauties – yum! And you know I love my peanut butter 😉 xo
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It’s becoming quite the tasty, personal challenge of mine. Lol. Thanks so much, Marsha! 🙂 xo