Irresistible Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Your Go-To Pantry Clean-Out Recipe
Every home cook knows the satisfying feeling of creating something utterly delicious from ingredients that were simply waiting to be used. This recipe for Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Granola Bars is a perfect example, born from a classic “clean out the pantry” moment. Imagine having just a handful of peanuts, a few miniature boxes of granola nearing their expiration, and a cup of white chocolate chips needing a purpose. Instead of letting them go to waste, they converge beautifully in this one, incredibly easy, and undeniably delicious bar cookie.
These bars perfectly encapsulate the beloved sweet and salty flavor profile, delivering a delightful crunch and chewiness that makes them an instant favorite. They’re not just a solution for stray ingredients; they’re a treat that will quickly become a staple in your snack rotation, beloved by both adults and children alike.
The Winning Legacy: A “Kid Pleaser” from America’s Top Recipes
The inspiration for these fantastic bars comes from a true classic: a recipe adapted from a book I acquired years ago, titled “America’s Top Recipes, Over 200 Contest Favorites.” This particular gem was a winner in the highly competitive “Kid Pleaser” division, a testament to its broad appeal and deliciousness. Credit for this ingenious creation goes to G. Berry, whose innovative approach brought together simple ingredients in a remarkably satisfying way.
What makes a recipe a “Kid Pleaser”? Often, it’s a combination of approachable flavors, an appealing texture, and a form that’s easy for little hands to manage. These bars hit all those marks. They’re rich, sweet, salty, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor that so many children (and adults!) adore. The no-fuss nature of the preparation also means less waiting and more enjoying, which is always a bonus when eager snackers are involved.
Beyond being kid-friendly, this recipe offers another notable advantage: it contains no flour. This means that if you opt for gluten-free granola, you can effortlessly transform these into a delightful gluten-free treat, catering to a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture. It’s a versatile recipe that truly stands out from the crowd.
Crafting the Perfect Bar: Texture and Granola Choices
When I first photographed these bars, they were still in their elongated form. However, after that initial click, I made the executive decision to cut them into more manageable squares. This not only makes them easier to portion and serve but also provides a more robust, bite-sized snack perfect for lunchboxes or a quick energy boost.
A crucial element in the texture and overall flavor of these bars is the granola. For my recipe, I specifically used a type that is fairly loose and comes in small, easily broken clumps. This kind of granola integrates seamlessly into the mixture, contributing to a chewy, yet slightly crumbly consistency that is simply divine.
It’s important to note that your choice of granola can subtly alter the final product. Different brands and varieties of granola will bring their own unique flavors and textures to the table. A very tightly clustered, crunchy granola might result in a firmer bar, while one with more dried fruit or nuts will add those elements to the taste profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment! While you’ll probably get a slightly different flavor and texture depending on the brand you choose, rest assured that any brand of granola will still work beautifully, yielding a delicious result every time. The key is to find a granola you love, as its character will shine through in these bars.
The Essential Ingredients: A Harmony of Flavors and Textures
Let’s delve deeper into the components that make these sweet and salty peanut bars so special. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and an irresistible texture.
- Salted Peanuts: These aren’t just for decoration; they are integral to the “salty” part of the sweet and salty equation. When lightly pulsed, they add a fantastic textural contrast – a satisfying crunch amidst the chewiness – and a deep, roasted peanut flavor that elevates the entire bar. If you only have unsalted peanuts, a tiny pinch of salt added to the mixture can help achieve a similar balance.
- White Chocolate Chips: These little gems bring a creamy sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully. When gently melted into the warm mixture, they act as a secondary binder, helping to hold everything together while imparting their distinctive, rich flavor. For a different twist, you could try milk or dark chocolate chips, but the white chocolate offers a unique, mellow sweetness that truly allows the peanut butter and granola to shine.
- Butter (Unsalted or Salted): The foundation of our binder. Butter provides richness and helps to create a smooth, pliable base when melted. Whether you use unsalted or salted butter, adjust any additional salt in the recipe accordingly to maintain the desired sweet and salty balance.
- Light Corn Syrup: This often-underestimated ingredient is crucial for texture. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization of sugars, leading to a chewier, softer bar that doesn’t become brittle. It also adds a subtle sweetness and a desirable sheen.
- Brown Sugar: Beyond sweetness, brown sugar brings a lovely molasses note that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter. Its moist nature also contributes to the bars’ soft and chewy consistency.
- Vanilla: A dash of vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer, adding depth and warmth to the overall profile. It subtly rounds out the sweet and nutty flavors, making them even more appealing.
- Peanut Butter: The undisputed star of the show! Peanut butter not only delivers its iconic flavor but also acts as a primary binder, holding all the dry ingredients together. For best results, use a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter, as natural varieties tend to separate and can result in a greasier, less stable bar.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add bulk, a satisfying chew, and a wholesome character to the bars. They absorb some of the liquid from the binder, contributing to the firm yet tender texture.
- Granola: As discussed, the granola is vital for both flavor and texture. It provides crunch, additional nutty and oaty flavors, and a complex texture. Choose a granola you love, and it will elevate these bars to new heights.
Recipe: Sweet & Salty Peanut Bars
Sweet & Salty Peanut Bars
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted peanuts
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup oats
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granola
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with foil and spray foil with cooking spray.
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In a food processor, pulse the peanuts to chop. Add the white chips and pulse them with the peanuts. Set the mixture aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, oats and granola, then stir in the peanut/white chip mixture, stirring just until chips begin to melt. Pour the mixture in the pan and press down with the back of a spatula. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for about an hour, then lift from the pan and cut into 8 or 16 bars.
Tips for Perfect Sweet & Salty Peanut Bars Every Time
Making these bars is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure your results are consistently perfect:
- Pan Preparation is Key: Don’t skip lining your pan with foil and spraying it with cooking spray. This is vital for easy removal of the bars once they are chilled and set. Trying to pry them out of an unlined pan can be a sticky, frustrating mess.
- Pulsing, Not Pureeing: When using the food processor for peanuts and white chips, remember to “pulse.” You want a coarsely chopped mixture, not a fine powder or a paste. This retains the desirable crunch from the peanuts and ensures the white chips melt evenly without over-processing.
- Gentle Melting: When adding the peanut and white chip mixture to the saucepan, stir just until the chips begin to melt. You don’t want to cook them extensively; rather, you want them to soften and integrate into the warm binder, contributing to the overall stickiness and flavor.
- Press Down Firmly: Once the mixture is in the prepared pan, use the back of a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to press it down very firmly and evenly. This compression is crucial for ensuring the bars hold together well and have a consistent texture when cut.
- Chilling is Non-Negotiable: While these bars are baked briefly, the chilling step is perhaps the most important for their structural integrity. An hour in the refrigerator allows the butter and chocolate to firm up completely, making the bars easy to lift from the pan and cut into clean, neat portions. Don’t rush this step!
- Cutting Options: The recipe suggests cutting into 8 or 16 bars. For larger, more substantial snacks, 8 bars are perfect. For smaller, bite-sized treats or for serving to a crowd, 16 squares work wonderfully. A sharp, warm knife can help achieve cleaner cuts.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Granola Bars are fantastic as is, but their simple base makes them incredibly versatile for customization:
- Nutty Swaps: Replace or combine peanuts with other nuts like chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Alternatives: If white chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips. Each will lend its own unique character to the bars.
- Dried Fruit Add-ins: For an extra touch of sweetness and chewiness, consider folding in a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots with the granola.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg could add a warm, cozy note, especially if you’re using a plain granola.
These bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. Pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome and satisfying school or work snack. Serve them as an easy dessert at parties or gatherings. They are also an excellent post-workout or mid-afternoon energy booster, thanks to the combination of oats, nuts, and peanut butter. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness, especially in warmer climates. They also freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep and future cravings.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Treat
From a few leftover ingredients to a delightful and satisfying treat, these Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Granola Bars prove that some of the best recipes are born from simplicity and necessity. They are a testament to how humble pantry staples can be transformed into something truly special. With their irresistible balance of flavors, satisfying texture, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder they were once crowned a “Kid Pleaser” winner. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox hero, or just a sweet and salty pick-me-up, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!