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Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

These Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars are a deliciously chewy and nutty snack combining hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet honey with a delightful crunch of roasted peanuts and coconut flakes. Topped with mini peanut butter cups and drizzled with melted chocolate and peanut butter, these bars make for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking or a sweet pick-me-up.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 bars

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Toppings

  • 3 tablespoons melted chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons melted natural, creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped roasted peanuts thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for now.
  3. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the natural creamy peanut butter, pure honey, extra virgin coconut oil, unsulphured molasses, vanilla bean paste, and kosher salt. Stir frequently and warm the mixture gently for about 2-3 minutes until well blended but do not allow it to boil.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oat mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir and combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly with the bottom of a glass or your hands to create a compact layer.
  6. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then press the mini peanut butter cups evenly across the top surface of the granola.
  7. Chill to Set: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 hour, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to harden.
  8. Cut Bars: Once set, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 8 equal bars with a sharp knife.
  9. Drizzle Toppings: Immediately drizzle the melted chocolate and then the melted peanut butter over the chilled bars. The cold temperature will help the drizzles set quickly.
  10. Store and Serve: Enjoy the bars right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Old fashioned rolled oats are preferred for the best texture; quick oats will result in a softer bar.
  • Ensure the peanut butter is natural and creamy for optimum consistency.
  • The bars can be kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent melting of the toppings.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold together well after cutting.
  • Substitute mini peanut butter cups with chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/peanut-butter-cup-granola-bars-recipe/