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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars

    Published: Feb 16, 2021 by Janessa

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Peanut Butter is arguably my favorite food. I eat it as part of my afternoon snack. Every. Single. Day.

    Most of the time, it entails 1-2 tablespoon of peanut butter melted in the microwave for 30 seconds, and then a banana sliced up and stirred into it. (If you haven't tried that- I strongly encourage it!)

    But, sometimes I want a peanut butter snack that doesn't require a microwave, or slicing a banana for that matter...

    And these Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars are it. (These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a close second though- they taste like a candy bar!)

    Crunchy peanut butter snack bars cut into squares on a green plate.

    They are simple to make and can be stored in the freezer for months, so you can always have some on hand for a quick snack (or treat- they're that tasty!).

    Plus they are easily packable so they are a perfect snack for when you're on the go. Or if you're looking for a treat, these Oat Flour Peanut Butter Cookies also pack up nicely!

    The Ingredients

    Ingredients for peanut butter snack bars.
    • Quick Oats- Using quick oats helps to bind the bars. You can substitute 1 and ¾ cups large flake oats, pulsed in a blender 3-5 times.
    • Crisp Brown Rice Cereal- Provides the crunch in these Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars.
    • Ground Flaxseed- If you don't have any on hand, feel free to use additional quick oats.
    • Chia Seeds- These can be left out if needed.
    • Add ins- Add whatever you have in your pantry that you like- chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, etc. Or use an additional ½ cup of crisp rice cereal.
    • Peanut Butter- You will need 1 and ⅛ cups (1 cup plus 2 tbsp) of smooth peanut butter. I typically use natural style peanut butter but shelf stable peanut butter would work as well.
    • Coconut Oil- You need an oil that is solid at room temperature or these bars will be melty and fall apart easily. It might work to substitute butter but I haven't tried it.
    • Maple Syrup- Honey, agave or brown rice syrup also work.
    • Fine Sea Salt- I usually use ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt as I'm a fan of the sweet and salty combo. That said, if you prefer a less salty bar, use ¼ teaspoon or leave it out completely.

    The Method

    1. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

    Bowl with dry ingredients showing first step.

    2. Mix wet ingredients. In a microwave safe bowl, melt together peanut butter and coconut oil. Stir in maple syrup and salt until well combined.

    Bowl of peanut butter mixed with melted coconut oil.

    3. Combine. Pour peanut butter mixture into dry ingredients and stir to combine.

    Mixing wet and dry ingredients.

    4. Freeze. Press firmly into a 9x9 pan and place pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. (TIP: wet your hands to push down on the mixture so that it doesn't stick to your fingers)

    Peanut butter bar batter pressed into a pan.

    5. Slice and Enjoy! Remove bars from the freezer and lift from the pan using the overhang of the silicone liner or parchment paper. Place on a cookie sheet and use a sharp knife to cut into desired size of bars.

    Completed bars cut into squares.

    Storage

    To Store: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from the freezer or allow to come to room temperature. Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days as well but will hold their shape (and crunch!) best if chilled. (These No Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies hold together well at room temperature though.)

    Make it Your Own

    • Crunchy Peanut Butter Energy Balls- Scoop out 1-2 tablespoon of mixture, roll into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes and then move into a container. Be sure to lightly wet your hands as you go so that it doesn't stick to you.
    • Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Crunch Energy Balls- Make the mixture into energy balls as described above and freeze. Melt baking chocolate or chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second bursts. Dip frozen balls in melted chocolate and return to baking sheet. Freeze for an additional 15 minutes until chocolate is firm.

    Dietary Notes

    If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:

    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    Close up shot showing the crunchy texture of the bars.

    And if you liked this recipe...

    ...you might also like these other packable snacks!

    • Quinoa Nut Snack Bars
    • Eatmore Bars
    • Honey Spice Zucchini Muffins
    • Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Peanut Butter Snack Bars

    These quick, easy and healthy snack bars are delightfully crunchy! Customize them to include your favorite add ins.
    5 from 51 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Freeze Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 bars
    Calories: 183kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 and ½ cups quick oats
    • 1 cup crisp brown rice cereal
    • 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • ½ cup add ins
    • 1 and ⅛ cups natural style, creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • ¼-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    US Customary - Metric
    (Prevent your screen from going dark)

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, stir together the oats, rice cereal, flaxseed, chia seeds and add ins.
    • In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted. Add maple syrup and salt and stir to combine.
    • Using a rubber spatula, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
    • Line a 9x9 baking pan with a silicone mat, parchment paper or wax paper and pour the mixture into it. Wet your hands, and press the mixture firmly into the pan. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
    • Remove the pan from the freezer and using the lining, pull the bars out and place on a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars and enjoy.

    Notes

    Leftovers 
    Store leftover bars at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from the freezer or allow to come to room temperature.
    *Nutrition calculated with an additional ½ cup crisp brown rice as add in.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 121mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g
    Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

    More Healthy Snacks!

    • Oat Flour Oatmeal Cookies
    • Eatmore Bars (Healthy Copycat)
    • Honey Cinnamon Granola
    • Chocolate Hummus
    « Chorizo, Rice and Beans Skillet
    Egg Roll Bowls »

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Shelby

      May 30, 2022 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      Peanut butter is definitely crucial to my life lol I love the crunch in these!

      Reply
      • Janessa

        May 30, 2022 at 11:56 am

        I'm glad you like these!

        Reply
      • Allison

        January 20, 2023 at 9:27 am

        5 stars
        These are so incredibly good…so good in fact my husband says I’m not allowed to buy store bought anymore 🙂 I will definitely be making these for our lunch time snacks from now on.

        Reply
        • Janessa

          January 21, 2023 at 9:35 am

          I'm glad you liked these bars! Thank you for much for your kind review, Allison!

          Reply
    2. nancy

      May 31, 2022 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      this recipe is awesome! i love peanut butter but store bought ones are always borderline. This one really is loaded with flavour! Super healthy and great for on the go!

      Reply
      • Janessa

        May 31, 2022 at 11:22 am

        Thank you for your kind review, Nancy! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe.

        Reply
    3. ChihYu

      June 01, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! There's nothing better than a tasty treat! These are delicious and perfect because they're just sweet enough and have that wonderful crunch!

      Reply
      • Janessa

        June 02, 2022 at 9:16 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Donny

      June 01, 2022 at 7:01 pm

      5 stars
      A snack that tastes like a treat but is secretly healthy! And so good too!

      Reply
    5. Stacey

      June 03, 2022 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I love the peanut butter with the puffed rice in these. Such a healthy, yummy snack!

      Reply
    6. jennifer

      June 04, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious and easy! I'll admit that I've been eating my batch as a grab-and-go breakfast!

      Reply
    7. Sunrita

      June 05, 2022 at 7:47 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for inspiration for after school snacks. This is just perfect also for picnic.

      Reply
    8. Sue V Pruitt

      May 03, 2023 at 10:34 am

      What is crisp brown rice cereal? Can you give me a name or a link please?

      Reply
      • Janessa

        May 03, 2023 at 10:55 am

        I usually find it at my local bulk foods store. It is similar to "Rice Krispies" but the puffs are made out of brown rice instead and brown rice is the only ingredient. Rice Krispies could be used instead 🙂

        Reply

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    Janessa

    Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

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