Start your day with these irresistibly chewy Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars, a quick and wholesome recipe perfect for busy mornings or snack breaks. Packed with hearty rolled oats, creamy natural peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, these bars are as flavorful as they are nutritious. Ground cinnamon and vanilla extract add warm, cozy notes, while optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit let you customize them to your liking. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a simple oven bake, these make-ahead bars are easy to whip up and store for grab-and-go convenience. Whether you're looking for a protein-packed breakfast or a satisfying midday snack, these homemade breakfast bars are a delicious way to fuel your day.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving small overhangs on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Toss to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and easy to mix, about 30 seconds in the microwave or a minute on the stovetop.
Stir the vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture, then pour it over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or wooden spoon until all the oats are well-coated.
If using chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them into the mixture at this stage.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a chewy texture.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the bars set.
Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhangs. Cut them into 12 equal-sized bars or squares using a sharp knife.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Calories |
3001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.5 g | 210% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.8 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1692 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.0 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.6 g | 149% | |
| Total Sugars | 168.9 g | ||
| Protein | 96.2 g | 192% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 350 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2601 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.