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Kid-Approved No-Bake Granola Bar Bites with Chocolate Chips

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These no-bake granola bar bites with chocolate chips are quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or last-minute bake sales, they’re a foolproof treat that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural works, but stir well; Skippy or Jif give best texture)
  • ½ cup honey (local honey adds floral note; if crystallized, microwave 10 seconds)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil (melted; helps bind without greasiness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes a difference)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli preferred; mini chips work too)
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed (optional, adds fiber and omega-3s)
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened, optional; adds chewiness)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. If not fully combined, microwave another 15 seconds until smooth and glossy. Do not overheat.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
  4. Add rolled oats and ground flaxseed (if using). Stir until every oat is coated and mixture resembles thick, slightly sticky cookie dough. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon more honey; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon more oats.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips and shredded coconut (if using). Reserve a handful of chocolate chips to press into the top for a prettier appearance.
  6. Transfer mixture to the lined pan. Press down firmly and evenly using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup until the surface is flat and compact. This step is crucial to prevent crumbling.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours or overnight, until firm.
  8. Lift the block out using parchment handles. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 to 16 bars with a sharp knife. Wipe knife clean between cuts for cleaner edges.
  9. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

Notes

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Chill for at least 1 hour, but 2 hours or overnight is better. For best texture, let bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating. If using sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, note that it may turn green with certain acids, but this recipe is safe. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and add an extra tablespoon of oats.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, chocolate chip granola bars, easy snack, lunchbox snack, kid-friendly, peanut butter granola bars, healthy snack

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/kid-approved-no-bake-granola-bar-bites-with-chocolate-chips/