Chewy Peanut Butter Fruit and Nut Granola Bars are packed with toasted oats and nuts, dried fruit and sweetened with maple and brown rice syrup. vegan + gluten free.
Rob’s been sick with a dreadful winter cold. Luckily it wasn’t the flu. I’ve been drinking copious amounts of this citrus ginger mint green smoothie, to avoid any bug that might encroach. Despite my tactics, I woke Saturday morning with a nasty sore throat. I don’t remember the last time I was sick.
Thing is I really don’t feel terrible over all, just enough to slow me down rolling out of bed or to tire me a bit earlier in the evening. Perhaps my body is responding better because of the smoothies? It’s hard to tell.
But despite my mild cold, I still went for long walks. We’ve been having sprinkly, and relatively warm weather lately making it really nice to head outside; my inspiration for these grab n’ go chewy granola bars. I guess being back outdoors regularly for some exercise has made me feel like Spring is not too far away.
Song birds have started singing their sweet melodic songs again, our camellia is about to bloom and the short days are slowly, but noticeably, getting longer.
One of my favorite things to have on hand is grab n’ go snacks (so much so I wrote a recipe book on the subject!). Things I can put together relatively quickly and is easily portable. You’ve seen them floating around Vanilla And Bean; from pumpkin kasha energy bites and maple pecan granola to bourbon date nut truffles (sub espresso for bourbon for non celebratory snacks!).
Besides fruit, nuts or dreaded grab the bag of black pepper Kettle chips and eat a few devour the whole bag, I like to have better-for-me options on hand.
A Few Recipe Notes:
- These are not no bake granola bars, y’all. Toasting the nuts, seeds and oats prior to assembly brings out deeper nutty flavors and textures. It’s worth the effort.
- These bars are chewy, yet have a nice crunch from the nuts and seeds, naturally sweetened with maple and brown rice syrup.
- Drizzle with chocolate, either bittersweet or semisweet (I went with raw cacao). This is optional, depending on your needs. I find the chocolate can get messy if it’s warm out!
- These Peanut Butter Granola Bars store for weeks in the fridge and are easily portable (sans chocolate). They are also vegan and optionally gluten free.
Chewy Peanut Butter Fruit and Nut Granola Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 3 C Thick Rolled Oats not quick oats, 333 g
- 1 1/2 C Mixed Raw Unsalted Nuts; I use walnuts, pecans, and almonds (210 g)
- 1/2 C Raw Sunflower Seeds 76 g
- 1/2 C Dried Cranberries 74 g
- 1/2 C Dried Apricots 106 g
- 1 1/3 C Natural Peanut Butter crunchy (345 g)
- 3/4 C Maple Syrup 230 ml
- 1/2 C Brown Rice Syrup 170 ml
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Drizzling (optional):
- 4 Tbs Dark Cacao + 2 Tbs Coconut Oil melted and still warm *see note, I use raw Cacao
Instructions
For the Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment and pour the oats on so that they are spread evenly. Toast the oats for 25-30 minutes or until golden and toasty. On a separate pan, toast all the nuts for 18-20 and on a third separate pan, toast the seeds for 15-20 minutes or until golden and toasty. We want to keep the nuts and sunflower seeds separated as the nuts will be chopped and the sunflower seeds need to remain whole. (round cake pans work well here).
- Line a 13"x9" baking dish with parchment paper. Secure the parchment paper to the two long sides with clips.
- While the nuts, seeds and oats are toasting, rough chop the cranberries and apricots. Add them to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a 2 quart sauce pan, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, salt and vanilla extract until all the ingredients come together. Gently warm the mixture on low just until it is pourable. If needed, use a whisk to get the ingredients to come together.
- Add the toasted oats and sunflower seeds to the large mixing bowl with the dried fruit. Rough chop the nuts and add them to the dried fruit/oat/nut mixture in the large mixing bowl.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix throughly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly in the dish. Use your hands to press the mixture in. The firmer the press, the better!
- Refrigerate the granola for at least 1 1/2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment as handles. Cut into 1 1/2" x 4" bars.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freezer for up to a month.
For the Drizzle (optional):
- Mix the cacao and warmed oil in a small bowl. Mix until ingredients are incorporated. Drizzle over the granola bars. Pop in the fridge for a few minutes to allow chocolate to set.
Notes
Nutrition (estimated per serving):
Thank you for reading! If you make this recipe, or any others on Vanilla And Bean, be sure to post it to Facebook or Instagram, notify me @vanillaandbean and tag #vanillaandbean! I’d love to see what you’ve made! Also, if you like my content, please consider sharing it with three friends and/or family and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and/or Twitter. Thank you!
I have made these several times over the last year. I absolutely love I don’t change a thing in the recipe kat
Hi Kat! Thank you so much for your note – I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying these scrumptious bars!
Hey Traci! I am FINALLY getting around to trying these today! Of course, I do not have several of the ingredients, but I went for it anyway. They are chilling now. And smell so good! (I didn’t have dried apricots so I replaced with chopped, dried figs and a little chopped coconut. Also, didn’t have rice syrup…or enough maple syrup! So I did a mixture of maple syrup, golden syrup, raw honey, and brown sugar! eek….Okay, so now you are wondering if these are really even your bars! haha…But I can’t wait to taste them. And next time I get out I am going to get the correct ingredients!) Thanks for the lovely recipe. I am always excited to try new bar recipes.
Oh hey Andrea! So glad to hear! I love how you improvised, using the ingredients you have on hand. I can’t wait to hear how it turned out! I love brown sugar…. oh I bet it’ll be good even if they don’t hold together too well. Thanks for stopping by Andrea!
They are so good! And I froze them for 30 minutes (like you suggested) and then removed them from the pan and cut them to bar size, and they are holding up well! I think I’ll keep them In the freezer though, until I’m ready to eat one. Oh, they’re so good. Just had one for breakfast. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Andrea! Love the addition of figs and coconut!
Hi I tried these and they are absolutely delicious – I had to swop out the brown rice syrup as I wasn’t able to find any (joys of living in Africa!). I passed on to some friends who are now pestering me to make them some. Thanks a lot so great to get an easy and yummy recipe. Keep them coming !
So happy to hear, Penny! Can you share with us what you used instead of brown rice syrup? Thank you for sharing your success! :D
I’m curious as to what she used to! Since I had to make a few alterations to the recipe today as well.
I’m a big fan of chewy granola bars, and will totally look the other way when they’re crunchy. Do you have something to suggest for a substitution for the brown rice syrup or should I just wait til I get to the store?
Oh Heidi! I think a sub that may work, although I haven’t tried it, would be date paste, if you have dates on hand. It will make them a lot sweeter, but that’s what first comes to mind. I love your enthusiasm! If you don’t have dates on hand, I’d wait. Would love to know how they turn out if you do use dates! :D Thanks for stopping by!
This recipe is absolutely delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Even my son, who is not crazy about peanut butter likes them. I was actually going to try my next batch with Almond butter instead. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Fantastic, Alexandra! So happy you and your son enjoyed the bars. I think almond butter is a fabulous idea! I think I’ll try it too! Thanks for the tip and for sharing! :D
So tried it with Almond butter instead of peanut butter. A little more chewy and soft but absolutely delish!
Thanks for the note Alexandra. I wonder if reducing the maple syrup by half would make them a bit firmer? Perhaps I’ll experiment. :D
Try and let me know! I love them as they are!!
Okay, Alexandra! :D
When I saw these on instagram, I got SO excited. I never buy store bought bars any more (same concerns as everyone: sugar!) but who needs it when you can make much better bars like these at home?
Oh that’s great to hear, Nora! They are so easy and you know exactly what’s going into them. I am appalled at some of the ingredients processed foods have in them. So here’s to home cooking!! :D I hope you enjoy them, Nora!
These look sooo good! Love that they keep in the fridge and freezer for a while and obsessing over the chocolate drizzle, so cute! :)
Thank you, Medha! Yeah, make these and enjoy them all week! I love things like that! :D
I saw these on pinterest and started drooling immediately. I love homemade granola bars as easy snacks on the go and for lazy day snacks. I don’t know a thing about football but it’s been fun reading how excited everyone is
Hehe, I don’t know much about football either. What’s more entertaining for me is to watch how the players celebrate or how the fans behave (that gets pretty crazy!). Plus, at the super bowl, Katie Perry will be singing at the 1/2! I hope you enjoy the recipe Amanda!
These bars look great Traci! Your pictures are seriously perfect. Love that they come together so well and that you can make so many of them at once!
Thanks so much, Jessica! :D That’s the best part! They hold up well for several weeks in the fridge, if they last that long!
oh, YUMZ. I wish I had a plate (not a single one) of these in front of me!
Oh yeah, CakeSpy. Good thing this batch makes plenty! :D
Oh my, Traci – these look so perfect! I love how simple they are to make, too. I’ve always assumed that making your own granola bars would be a complicated process, but you’ve proven me wrong! These definitely do look like a great healthy snack when you’re on the go. I’m a little jealous that you’re starting to hear birds singing! We’ve got a long way to go before I hear that in Chicago… :) Oh, and I hope you and Rob get better soon!
Yeah, they really are pretty simple to make. The key is in the toasting of the oats, nuts and seeds. It really brings out their flavors.
You’re in a deep freeze in the East! Oh no! Then I won’t tell you of the lovely walk we had at sunset this evening…
We are feeling better, just a bit of a lingering cough. Thank you Julia! :D Y’all stay warm!!
These look so scrumptious Traci!
I’m sorry to hear you guys are sick! Around here everyone is sick too and I’m just keeping my fingers crossed for my sister in law to stay healthy as she’s due to have her baby any day! I think I’ll make these granola bars for her once the little one has arrived!
Thank you my Dear! What a sweet offering for your sister in law. Wishing you and your family the best! :D
These look AMAZING!! I can’t wait to try them!
Thank you Kathy! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
Gorgeous recipe! They look almost store-bought (which is to say “perfect”!!!). I’m really into peanut butter lately––so creamy dreamy. I’m going to pick up some brown rice syrup and give these a try! Stunning photos too Traci, Sending big hugs and love xo
Awh, Allison! You’ve emerged from your kitchen! :D xo
These granola bars look fantastic Traci! Love the flavors and all the ingredients used :) Pictures look stunning and I love the cacao drizzle! Pinned!
Glad you are having some nice weather, but sorry to hear that your husband has been feeling sick.
Have a nice weekend Traci!
Thanks so much Mira! I appreciate your feedback and pin! :D
Those look like the perfect granola bars, and I can’t believe that they are homemade! I’ve always wanted to try to make them on my own, so thanks for the inspiration! Pinned :)
Thank you Christina! Making sure the bars are cold, cutting with a serrated knife and using a ruler to measure is key to making them look sharp. I hope you enjoy the recipe and thank you for your pin! :D
Everything about these granola bars is perfect and your photos are absolutely stunning! These look like the perfect snack :) I hope you feel better soon!!
Thank you, Ceara! :D I am slowly feeling better… it’s that lingering cough that’s kickin me!
I’m so sorry you guys are sick! I’m guessing Rob isn’t drinking those smoothies?! Haha. I don’t know if I could get Eric to drink a smoothie like that no matter how sick he was! Everyone seems to be sick around here and I’m just holding my breath hoping I don’t get it! I’ve been meaning to make granola bars for so long now, but time keeps getting away from me in the evenings and every afternoon I wish I had a granola bar to snack on! These look so good, espeically the chocolate drizzle on top!
Actually Rob drinks a smoothie every morning. I just have to make sure it has raw cacao and some extra sweetness added from a date… or two… or three! :D Oh, yeah, these would be good to have on hand while you’re creating all the mouthwatering food you create! One can’t eat all the deliciousness before it’s photographed! :D Thanks, Izzy!
These granola bars just look SO perfect Traci.. they definitely rival any store bought version!
Thank you, Thalia! Indeed much better than store bought. Homemade is the best! :D
Your photography is killing it! These bars don’t even look healthy because they’re too busy being sinfully beautiful.
You push me to do better every time, my dear! Thank YOU for your inspiration, Sarah! :D <3
Sorry to hear you and the hubby were under the weather…glad you all are feeling better.
Can’t wait to make these for my kids I know my son will love them. Just a quick question…do I add the oats when I add the sunflower seeds or when I add the chopped nuts or does it not matter?
Thanks again for sharing.
Kelley
Hi Kelly! Thank you for your note. All the dry ingredients (except the salt) will go into the large mixing bowl (fruit, nuts, seeds, oats). Then the wet mixture will get poured over the dry. I hope this helps. Thank you for asking! I clarified the method above. I hope y’all enjoy these! :D
Traci, how did you know I was craving a new granola bar?! I have been making my tried and true no-bake bars for the past year or so, and while I love them dearly, I need a flavor change up. (Kind of like my hair – but these are an easier decision!) I can’t wait to try these out. Also, I hope you’re feeling better! I’m glad you were able to get out of the house for some fresh air. The past couple days here in Lexington have been sunny and in the high 40s (gasp!) and so I also seized the opportunity to get back out on my favorite trail. And more exercise = more hunger = these snack bars! :)
YaY! I’ll take 40F right now! Warmer for sure! I understand what you mean by needing a change up… sometimes I get in a rut.. (like my hair for a decade.. or two) and need to shake things up a bit! Have you made a decision on your hair? :D I am starting to feel better, thank you!
This looks like the perfect grab-n-go snack! Congrats on the Seahawks win! It must have been exciting to watch! I always find that getting some fresh air and light exercise is helpful when I have a cold. Hope you are feeling better!
Thank you, Kimberly! I am starting to feel better… it’s the dang congestion that gets me. Yuck! Fresh air is the perfect cure all though! :D
Yay! Gotta do it! Thank you!
Yup! Inspired by Lynne! :D Let me know!
So sorry to hear that you’re sick. Rob too. If it makes you feel any better, my son threw up all over me in the middle of the night ;( That was fun. Something is certainly going around, even here on the east coast!
I’ll take some of these delicious-looking granola bars. Yum. Peanut butter and chocolate are made for each other AND I love the fact that you use brown rice syrup! That’s how I make my bars. It gives it that ‘chew.’ I make bars for the kids a lot.
Thanks for sharing your recipe! Looks fantastic!
Awh, Emilie. I’ll take hackin’ over throwup. I’m so sorry. I hope he is feeling better!
Yeah, the syrup is great for chewy granola bars and I like the light sweetness it lends to the bars too! :D
Traci, these looks so great – a perfect snack for a hike or picnic or anytime really – adding them to my must make list. Don’t you just love the first signs of spring – I can’t wait until the short days are behind us too. I agree with Cheryl, you should write a healthy snack e-book – you always have such great recipes!! Hope you feel better soon.
Oh yeah, the first signs of spring are refreshing.. but I know we’ve still got a ways to go. Your encouragement on the ebook is noted. I’ve been thinking more about that… probably too much. Analysis paralysis?! Here we go again! Thank you Geraldine! :D
Traci, I can only assume you made these and then promptly boxed them up and they’re en route to my house as we speak. Because this is exactly the type of thing I need right now! I don’t ever feel like cooking lately and not really wild about any food we ever have around the house but I need to eat.. so these are just perfecto. IF for any reason that package gets lost in the mail.. I will have to make my own batch :D Maybe you should write a like.. healthy snacks ebook! Your smoothies and other healthy treats are always perfect!
Hehe! Awh.. Cheryl. EAT! You need to eat! Really, whip these out. They are fast. :D And I so appreciate your encouragement Cheryl! I am experiencing analysis paralysis, augh! :|
I love these, Traci! And I think my husband will love them even more :) Thanks for sharing!
Oh thats so good to hear! I hope y’all enjoy these Carolyn! :D
OMG fantastic!
:D
I can’t wait to try these! If I wasn’t “stuck” home with sick kids, I’d run and get the few ingredients I don’t have on hand! They look great! And oh, yes, go Hawks!
Hey Andrea! I hope you’re able to get out and get those few ingredients! Go Hawks! Yesssssss! :D I hope you enjoy these! :D
You have set the scene beautifully. There’s nothing I’d rather do right now than grab one of these bars and head out for a long walk and listen to the sweet songs of the birds… I would even put the kettle chips away for the flavors in this granola! Thank you, Traci!
Such restraint, Annie. Those Kettle chips are a weakness! If I had it my way, I’d sprinkle Kettle chips on everything! :D
I’m jealous of the warmer weather you’ve had! I miss going out on long walks – it’s just been to cold for that here lately. I keep crossing my fingers that spring will come extra early!
These bars look fantastic. :)
Awh, I wish you warmer weather soon, Chelsea! I guess 48F is considered warmer… considering where we’ve been! Thank you, Chelsea! :D