Soft and chewy no-bake granola bars that blend classic peanut butter and strawberry jelly flavors with crunchy peanuts.
Happy New Year — Kelly from Life Made Sweeter here. I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and found some time for a few treats.
If you’re easing into healthier choices this January but still crave something sweet, these chewy bars are one of my go-to snacks.
These Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars are quick to make and contain no butter. The base is a blend of creamy peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil combined with rolled oats, quick oats and oat flour.
You get the familiar PB & J taste in a soft, chewy granola bar with crunchy peanuts. Ground flaxseed adds fiber if you like, but it’s optional.
These bars are perfect to prepare ahead for the week. They hold best chilled because they tend to soften at room temperature — keep them in the fridge and grab one cold, or pack them in a lunch cooler for a satisfying, on-the-go snack.
These bars have an intense peanut butter and jelly flavor, so use brands you enjoy. If you prefer, skip the jelly filling or swap peanut butter for your favorite nut butter.
I experiment with variations depending on pantry ingredients. Swap the peanuts for other nuts, add dried fruit or chocolate chips, or use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour to make them gluten free.
They’re a family-friendly snack that’s both tasty and portable.
Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp tiny pinch of salt (optional — use only if peanut butter is unsalted)
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats*
- ½ cup quick oats*
- ⅔ cup oat flour* (you can grind oats in a food processor)
- 2 tsp ground flaxseeds (optional)
- ⅓ cup peanuts
- ¼ – ⅓ cup strawberry jelly for filling (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
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Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. Set aside.
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Combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon and the optional pinch of salt.
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Add the rolled oats, quick oats, oat flour and ground flaxseed, stirring until everything is evenly combined. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared dish.
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Spoon the strawberry jelly over the pressed layer and spread evenly. Add the remaining oat mixture on top and press down firmly with a spatula or your hands.
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Sprinkle the surface with peanuts or chocolate chips if desired, pressing them in so they adhere.
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Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm. Remove and cut into bars or squares. Store chilled in an airtight container with wax paper between layers, or wrap individually.
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To drizzle jelly, place it in a small zip-top bag, snip a corner and pipe over the bars. If the jelly is too thick, warm a small amount briefly in the microwave before piping. Chill briefly to set if needed.
Notes
*Make oat flour by grinding oats in a food processor. Use certified gluten free oats if needed.
Add a tiny pinch of salt only if your peanut butter is unsalted to balance the sweetness.
Bars keep up to one week in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer. They are best chilled or allowed a few minutes at room temperature before eating, as they soften over time.
Swap or add chopped nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit as desired.
If you skip the jelly filling, increase honey to ½ cup instead of ⅓ cup.
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You may also enjoy these other healthier treats from Life Made Sweeter:
Stuffed Almond Joy Energy Bites
Healthy Cherry Banana Dark Chocolate Muffins
