No-Bake granola bites with peanut butter and chocolate chips are a quick homemade snack prepared in 15 minutes! This recipe combines healthy oats, bran & flaxseed for a boost of energy.
Granola bites make snacking easy whenever you need quick energy. The combination of natural honey, crunchy rice crisps, whole grain rolled oats, wheat bran, protein-packed peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips provide a wholesome treat. These pre-portioned cups are just the right size for any hunger level. Have one, have two, it’s up to you! 🙂
This recipe makes a large batch of 24 servings, so you can quickly prepare them beforehand and then just grab-and-go for a convenient food option. These homemade snacks will come in handy on those busy days. It certainly has been a lifesaver for my family as a quick solution!
How to make no-bake granola bites
When making snacks, I like to incorporate some essential elements like nutrition, texture, and flavor. Here are the key elements for homemade granola bites:
Peanut Butter
My nut butter of choice is homemade peanut butter or the natural kinds that you have to mix before applying because the oil has separated. I tend to stay away from the “spreads” made with hydrogenated oils that may contain trans fats. This helps bind the mixture together once chilled.
Sweetener
Natural honey and a touch of brown sugar add just enough sweetness to the snack. Stickiness also contributes to bind and coat the granola, and the brown sugar adds some solids for better cohesiveness. A few mini dark chocolate chips add just enough bittersweet flavor to balance the sweetness.
Oats and Cereal
Whole grain rolled oats add soluble and insoluble fiber to each serving and some chewiness. The rice cereals add and airy, crispy texture for a delightful crunch.
Healthy Add-ins
Ground oat bran gives a little extra fiber boost. Ground flaxseed adds omega-3 fatty acids for heart health and fiber for digestive health. The healthy oils are more available when ground compared to whole seeds.
After the honey and brown sugar is cooked briefly for more efficient coating and binding of the ingredients, everything is gently blended in a mixer.
Instead of full-blown meal replacement sized bars, I thought it would be simpler and more portion-controlled to create a two-to-three bite snack.
As I stood in my kitchen thinking about how to make these smaller, I realized that my mini muffin tins were a perfect size. You can easily portion and shape each granola cup with minimal effort. I was able to squeeze in about a heaping tablespoon of the granola into each cup, just the right amount.
These homemade granola bites are a delicious snack to pack in lunches. They remind me of the chewy Quaker granola bars that my son loves, but these are even better! It’s always good to have healthy snacks on hand, like customizable energy bites or baked Paleo energy bars. What is your favorite on the go snack? I’d love to hear in the comments section below!
The importance of refrigerating the granola bites before serving
To ensure that the granola bites stick together cooling the snacks help to set the shape. The cooler temperature helps the peanut butter solids and sugars slightly harden so that the base ingredients do not fall apart when picked up. It’s best to eat the snacks chilled from the refrigerator or at room temperature, for the best eating experience.
Granola Bites with Peanut Butter & Chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup chocolate chips, mini semi-sweet, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups rice crisps
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed, ground
- 2 tablespoons oat bran
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, cook honey and brown sugar for 1 minute until brown sugar is dissolved.
- Add vanilla and stir to combine.
- Add mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle. Add peanut butter and mix on medium speed until combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine oats, crisps, flaxseed and oat bran. Pour into a mixer with peanut butter mixture, and combine on medium-low speed, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has cooled completely to room temperature, to prevent the chocolate chips from melting.
- Transfer mixing bowl back to stand mixer and add the chocolate chips. Mix on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds to one minute.
- Using a mini cupcake tin, enough to make 24 cups, add a heaping tablespoon of the peanut butter chocolate chip mixture into each cup.
- Press the mixture firmly into each cup then top with additional mini chocolate chips, pressing gently into the batter. Each cup should be at least ¾ full with the mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour, or until the cups have hardened and are easy to remove with a small knife.
- Store the peanut butter chocolate chip granola cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Meghan Behnke says
can these be frozen?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can freeze the granola bites. Place them in a single layer in a container or resealable bag. Defrost before enjoying.
Stacy says
Hi Jessica,
I made these today but my rice crisps became crushed in the mixer. As a result, I could not get the mini chips to mix in and they turned out very dense…not at all like yours in the picture. Did I do something wrong?
Jessica Gavin says
I would mix for a shorter period of time next time until it’s just mixed (try 30 seconds intervals) or even hand mix to prevent those crisps from getting too crushed next time.
Stephanie says
This is by far one of the greatest snack recipes I have ever made! Once you have all the ingredients, you can whip them up in a moments notice. They have been perfect to take on a long car trip- or a mid-morning snack at work. Store bought granola bars leave you unsatisfied, but these feel like a real treat. My husband makes sure to have chocolate chips on hand for when he gets a craving. Highly recommend these wonderful bites.
Jessica Gavin says
I’m thrilled to hear that your family loves the recipe, and it’s so easy to make whenever the craving hits!
Kimberly says
I don’t have a mini muffin pan. Could this be pressed into a cookie sheet and then cut to bite sized pieces after chilling?
Natalie Mangett says
Can the rice cereal be substituted with more oatmeal
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Natalie- I think you could give it a try, start with 1 cup oats and see if it still binds well.
Amy says
How many cups are a serving size?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Amy- One cup is one serving. Thanks!
bhavna says
Wow these look yummy!! Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup or something else? I don’t eat honey, but I’d like to try making these!
Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, pure maple syrup would work!
Binita says
Can you substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, try to get creamy or smooth almond butter.
CakePants says
These look wonderful – a chocolate and peanut butter recipe that’s also healthy and nutritious?! I need these in my life ASAP.
Jessica Gavin says
You sure do friend! Peanut butter and chocolate is always a classic yummy combo 🙂
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
delicious! i need to try these YUM!