• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Beaming Baker

Easy and approachable recipes that make you beam

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Keto and Low Carb Recipes
    • Healthy Snacks
    • Cookies
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Dessert
    • Smoothies
  • Vegan
  • Side Dishes
  • Cocktails
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Start a Blog
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact

Home > Recipes > Energy Balls and Bars

Peanut Butter Granola Bars – 3 Ingredient!

Published: Oct 10, 2022 · by Demeter | Beaming Baker 108 Comments · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe

This peanut butter granola bars recipe is so EASY! The best no bake peanut butter granola bars recipe without honey, that tastes just like honey roasted peanuts.

Try the cookie version here.

Two granola bars stacked on top of each other in a blue dish, sitting on a dark gray table.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

How do I take a tried ‘n true snack and make it even better? That’s what I asked myself when I started working on this peanut butter granola bars recipe.

The answer? Make these peanut butter granola bars with the fewest ingredients possible, dramatically decrease prep time, and make them impossibly delicious.

Wanna see how these no bake peanut butter granola bars are all that and more? Let’s make this!

Closeup on peanut butter granola bars cut in pan.

 

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:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Rolled Oats – gluten free if needed 😉
  • Pure Maple Syrup

overhead photo of the ingredients needed to make peanut butter granola bars

 

How to Make Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Learn how to make peanut butter granola bars the easy way, then let me know what you think! 🙂

Line a baking pan

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set it aside for later. 

 

Make the peanut butter mixture

Add peanut butter and maple syrup to a mixing bowl. Then, whisk the two ingredients together until thickened. This is your sweetened peanut butter mixture!

two pics of wet ingredients being whisked in mixing bowl.

 

Heat until warm

Heat the bowl of sweetened peanut butter until warm and just a few bubbles form.

Look for just a small amount of tiny bubbles to cook the syrup and peanut butter together—not to worry, this isn’t a super finnicky thing. You just want to warm the two ingredients cohesively together because it will be the glue for your granola bars. Mine took 4 rounds of 30 seconds each.

two pics of sweetened peanut butter mixture for peanut butter granola bars.

 

Add oats

Add oats to the warm, sweetened peanut butter mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold it all together to create the dough for your peanut butter granola bars.

two overhead pics showing hand adding oats to peanut butter granola bars mixture.

Check out the texture in this peanut butter beauty!

A closeup photo showing the texture of this recipe.

 

Pour granola bar mixture into the pan

Transfer this granola bar mixture into the lined pan you set aside earlier. Using a rubber spatula, press down and smooth into an even layer.

two pics of granola bar mixture being added and smoothed in pan.

 

Chill, Slice, and Enjoy!

Chill the pan in the freezer until firm. Then, slice and eat the very best peanut butter granola bars! And don’t forget to… enjoy! 🧡

 

TL;DR: Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars

My 3 Ingredient 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

this recipe on a blue serving plate

Sending you lots of love…

I’m so happy about 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 ❤️

Peanut Butter Recipes

  • 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
  • Keto Peanut Butter Balls
  • Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Balls
  • Keto Peanut Butter Bars – 4 Ingredient!
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
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 taste like honey roasted peanuts. Healthy, Vegan, Gluten Free. #PeanutButter #GranolaBars #NoBake #Oatmeal | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com

Peanut Butter Granola Bars


★★★★★

5 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Demeter | Beaming Baker
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 18 bars 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These peanut butter granola bars are so EASY! The best peanut butter granola bars recipe without honey, that tastes like honey roasted peanuts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy homemade peanut butter or store-bought
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 ½ cups rolled oats

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Equipment

Chef's Knife

Chef’s Knife

Buy Now →

Granola Bar Pan

Buy Now →

Gluten Free Rolled Oats

Buy Now →

Notes

Where to Buy Ingredients: Gluten Free Rolled Oats | Unsalted Natural, Creamy Peanut Butter | Pure Maple Syrup

*How long do I heat up the peanut butter & maple syrup? Heat this mixture until a small amount of tiny bubbles form. You just want to cook the syrup and peanut butter together—not to worry, this isn’t a super finnicky thing. You just want to warm the two ingredients cohesively together. Mine took 4 rounds of 30 seconds each.

**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.

How to make Vegan: keep the recipe as is! 🙂

How to make Gluten Free: use gluten free rolled oats.

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.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • 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

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Share a pic and tag @beamingbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #BeamingBaker

© 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.

Yummy Bar Recipes

  • Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (Vegan)
  • Vegan Breakfast Bars
  • 5 Ingredient Nut Bar
  • My favorite Breakfast Bars!

This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you.

Facebook ☀︎ Pinterest  ☀︎ Twitter ☀︎ Instagram

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Terri says

    June 21, 2019

    There are few things I love more than no bake AND 3 ingredient recipes! Will be making these guys- yum!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      June 21, 2019

      Yeah!! Me too! If I hear the words “no bake” and “3 ingredients”, you KNOW I’m there! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Tanya Schroeder says

    June 21, 2019

    I cannot believe how easy these granola bars are to make!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      June 21, 2019

      Right?!? Couldn’t be easier! 😉

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    June 21, 2019

    These bars look amazing! And just 3 ingredients?? Sounds like my kind of treat. Love that they are vegan too.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      June 21, 2019

      Thanks Michelle! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  4. SHANIKA says

    June 21, 2019

    These Granola Bars looks so delicious! I love that they only include 3 ingredients.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      June 21, 2019

      Thanks so much! They’re too easy to make! Hehe!

      Reply
  5. Joyce says

    May 7, 2019

    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.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      May 10, 2019

      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!

      Reply
    • Ariana says

      May 13, 2020

      Do you know if this would work with honey instead of syrup?

      Reply
      • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

        May 14, 2020

        Hi Ariana, yes, that would work! I know of other readers who’ve tried that and liked it. Enjoy!

        Reply
  6. Sinead says

    March 28, 2019

    How much does 1 bar weigh in grams? Important

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Neustaedter says

    May 6, 2018

    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!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      May 7, 2018

      Loving all the subs Jennifer, they sound like such a tasty combo! Thank you for the kind words–it means a lot! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Anna says

    April 30, 2018

    I didn’t freeze mine. I left them in the counter overnight and they came out great. I added chocolate chips to mine.

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      May 1, 2018

      Fantastic Anna! And the addition of chocolate chips sounds just delish. Happy no-baking! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kelly says

    January 31, 2018

    I now make these every week for my family. I add raisins and cereal that is going stale. Easy, delicious, love it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      January 31, 2018

      Oh gosh, what a great idea to use up that soon-to-be stale cereal! So happy that you love my recipe. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Finnley says

    November 13, 2017

    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.

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      November 13, 2017

      So glad you and your little ones enjoyed these, Finnley! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  11. ellie says

    September 8, 2017

    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?

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      September 13, 2017

      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! 🙂

      Reply
      • Ash says

        October 20, 2017

        Do you know how long they will last at room temperature?

        Reply
        • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

          October 24, 2017

          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. 🙂

          Reply
  12. Demetrios says

    April 23, 2017

    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?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      April 24, 2017

      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!

      Reply
      • Anonymous says

        July 22, 2017

        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! .

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

          July 26, 2017

          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! 🙂

          Reply
  13. Candi says

    April 15, 2017

    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 .

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      April 18, 2017

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Tammi says

    March 18, 2017

    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).

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 20, 2017

      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!

      Reply
  15. Shashi at Savory Spin says

    March 17, 2017

    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!

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 17, 2017

      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

      Reply
  16. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    March 17, 2017

    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!

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 17, 2017

      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!

      Reply
  17. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says

    March 16, 2017

    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

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 16, 2017

      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

      Reply
  18. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    March 16, 2017

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 16, 2017

      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

      Reply
  19. Patrick@looneyforfood.com says

    March 16, 2017

    These look great! I would want to eat the whole try!

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 16, 2017

      They’re SO good! Thanks Patrick! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says

    March 16, 2017

    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

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Demeter | Beaming Baker says

      March 16, 2017

      It’s becoming quite the tasty, personal challenge of mine. Lol. Thanks so much, Marsha! 🙂 xo

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

Connect with me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Hi There

I'm Demeter! Here, you'll find a warm & friendly community for delicious plant-based, whole food recipes. :) I'm so happy to share in these kitchen adventures with you.

Welcome! Can't wait to meet ya! ☀︎ Learn more

Popular Recipes

Healthy breakfast bars recipe featured image

Healthy Breakfast Bars

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies featured image

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

How to Make a Greyhound Drink featured image

How to Make a Greyhound Drink

Dirty Martini featured image

Dirty Martini

Homemade Cashew Butter: learn how to make cashew butter with just 1 ingredient and a few minutes! Step-by-step tutorial with clear, detailed pics to follow along. #CashewButter #CashewNutButter #Homemade #Cashews | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com

Cashew Butter {Homemade Recipe!}

Extra Dirty Martini featured image

Extra Dirty Martini

Trending Now

Blueberry Smoothie: just 3 ingredients for the easiest blueberry smoothie recipe ever! The best blueberry smoothie—just minutes to prep for a healthy & refreshing smoothie! #Blueberry #Smoothie #Blueberries #Smoothies | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com

Blueberry Smoothie – 3 Ingredients!

The BEST vegan brownies you’ve ever had: divinely rich, fudgy, and moist, bursting with chocolate flavor. BEAMINGBAKER.COM #Vegan

BEST Vegan Brownies!

Banana Nut Protein Oatmeal featured image

Protein Oatmeal

Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies featured image

Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Footer

Copyright © 2016-2023 beamingbaker.com

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

about beaming baker
contact

COOKIES

square photo of healthy cookies on a lined baking sheet
3 ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: super easy recipe for healthy no bake cookies without milk—the best gluten free vegan peanut butter cookies! #PeanutButter #NoBake #Oatmeal #Vegan #GlutenFree | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com
feature photo of dark chocolate chip cookies
square photo of banana oatmeal cookies on a cooling rack
chocolate peppermint cookies on a cooling rack

Copyright © 2023 · Beaming Baker · Privacy Policy