Sandra These chewy Granola Bars are a lunchbox staple as well as being effortlessly gluten-free! Mixing the natural peanut butter with honey creates a sticky binder, which along with the crunchy pepitas and oats adds a wholesome, nutty texture to these bars that is so perfect for a midday energy boost.
Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe Ingredients
- The Binder:
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter (or cashew butter)
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- The Dry Mix:
- 2 1/2 cups whole rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate)
- 3 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or crushed peanuts/cashews
How To Make Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe
- Prep the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
- Mix the wet: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir vigorously with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Add the dry: Dump in the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas (or nuts).
- Combine: Stir everything together. At first, it might seem too dry—don’t panic! Keep mixing and folding. The oats will eventually get coated in the sticky nut butter mixture, forming a heavy, cohesive dough.
- Press it down: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread it out as evenly as possible. Crucial Step: Place a second piece of parchment paper on top. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press down hard all over the surface. Compacting the mixture firmly is the secret to bars that hold together and don’t crumble.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Slice: Lift the block out of the pan using the parchment handles. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife. Store them in the fridge to keep them firm.
Recipe Tips!
- Press Hard: I can’t stress this enough—press the mixture down with all your might! If you just pat it gently, the bars will fall apart into granola dust when you pick them up. Pack it tight!
- Mini Chips Only: Use mini chocolate chips or chop a chocolate bar very finely. Large chocolate chips create weak spots in the bar structure where they can break apart.
- Natural Butter: Use drippy, natural peanut butter (the kind you have to stir). The oil in natural butter helps bind the oats better than the stiff “no-stir” kinds which can make the bars dry.
- Chill Out: These are no-bake bars held together by honey and cold peanut butter. If you leave them in a hot car or on the counter too long, they will soften. Keep them chilled for the best chew!
What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe?
This Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe is a grab-and-go snack hero! Pack them in a lunchbox alongside an Apple or a Banana for a complete fiber-rich snack. For a quick breakfast, crumble a bar over a bowl of Greek Yogurt and berries! If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, enjoy one with an Iced Coffee or a glass of almond milk.
How To Store Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
- Freeze: These freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. They can be eaten straight from the freezer (chewy!) or thawed for 10 minutes.
Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated per bar (12 servings).
FAQs
Maple syrup is delicious but thinner and less sticky than honey. If you use it, the bars won’t hold together as well. It’s better for making energy balls!
If you use brown rice syrup instead of honey, yes! Agave nectar is another option, though softer.
These are designed as no-bake bars. If you bake them, the peanut butter and honey might melt too much before the oats toast, resulting in a puddle.
Try More Recipes:
- Joanna Gaines Lemon Bars Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Peppermint Bark Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers Recipe
Joanna Gaines Granola Bars Recipe
Description
Chewy, no-bake granola bars packed with oats, peanut butter, and mini chocolate chips. A wholesome, gluten-free snack that comes together in one bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in oats, chips, and seeds.
- Press firmly into 8×8 pan.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Slice into bars.
- Store in the fridge.
Notes
- Use mini chips for better cohesion.
- Natural peanut butter works best.
- Press mixture firmly to prevent crumbling.
