No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars
These healthy breakfast on the go peanut butter energy bars require no baking and are packed with oats, peanut butter, and dried cranberries. Perfect for busy mornings!
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking dish
- parchment paper
- large mixing bowl
- medium microwave-safe bowl
- spatula
- spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
- knife
- microwave
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on two opposite sides to create handles for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and kosher salt. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and honey. Heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir until the mixture is completely smooth and runny.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture and the vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a thick, cohesive dough forms and no dry spots of oats remain.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes, then fold in the mini chocolate chips and finely chopped dried cranberries until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers, lightly coated with cooking spray, to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring it is compact.
- Refrigerate the pan, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is very firm and holds its shape when pressed.
- Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire slab from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 16 even squares or bars. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Press the mixture firmly into the pan for best results.