If I were to title this post properly, I would have put “Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Granola Bars”. But that is way too big a mouthful and I would much rather you use that energy by eating these scrumptious bars!
In just 2 weeks, my husband, Travis has his National Auto Sport Association (NASA) National Championship event. People fly from all over the country to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend this competition at the Larry H. Miller sports track. Some would say this event is a pretty big deal. If you are married to a racing fanatic, it becomes a very big deal.
I love to attend races and watch my husband on the track. However, my racing fanatic husband often gets caught up with his meetings, car adaptions and racing buddies throughout the day (plus his actual races), that I don’t actually see him at these events for long periods of time. That means he’s not around to grab lunch often or find snacks with me. When there’s no food but concession stand treats, I need to be prepared!
These bars are the most delicious snack for a any afternoon. They are easy to cart around and have a slightly sweet, slightly salty flavor. Sweet from chewy dates and chocolates, salty from the pretzels and salted peanut butter. It’s so good! They should be kept cool if possible since you don’t want the chocolate chips melting, but they hold a nice shape and are just so deliciously chewy, chilled or at room temperature. This makes them great for packed lunches for the kids, picnics or tasty breakfast bars for on your way to work. I was kind of shocked at how addicting they were… But when you think about it, when are pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate not addictive? The answer is never.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (vegan & gluten-free option)
1/3 cup Honey or Agave
1/3 cup Creamy Salted Natural Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter)
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup Soaked Dates (soaked in just enough water to cover for about 1 hour)
2 Tablespoons Ground Flax or Nutritional Yeast
1/2 cup chopped Pretzels or Gluten-Free Pretzels
1 1/3 – 1/2 cups Oats or Gluten-Free Oats
1/3 cup Chocolate Chips or chopped Chocolate
Chop soft dates until they become a rough paste. Combine all the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Press mixture in a parchment lined 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Place in refrigerator or freezer to set for 30 minutes. Cut into slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Based on 3 Review(s)
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Kellie says
I tried these and I am not going to ever make another granola bar again! Fantastic, easy and simple and delicious enough my family will eat them!
Annie says
Thank you, Kellie! Glad to hear that. :D
Sonya says
These bars sounded wonderful so I tried them. The taste was GREAT but mine did not firm up well (even after 2 hours in the freezer!) – they were better eaten with a spoon. I followed the recipe and used agave. My children still scarfed them down as they were but I would like to be able to put them in their lunches. Any suggestions as to what I may have done wrong??
Annie says
I’m so sorry to hear that! My first question is did you use a natural nut butter? Since natural nut butters are kept in the fridge, they are typically very firm – at least mine are! If using something like Skippy, you would need a lot more nutritional yeast, flax, oats or pretzels to balance out the soft creamy texture of the peanut butter. Did you use coconut shreds, flax or nutritional yeast? Next time, you could try adding all three if you’d like them extra firm. And lastly, if the mixture is still too moist and will not hold considering those changes, increase the oats or pretzels. I’m so sorry these didn’t work that well for you, this recipe was meant to be a no fail! It shouldn’t be a problem if you just add more dry ingredients until the mixture holds well and is nice and firm. If you have any other questions, please let us know. Thanks for the feedback and good luck! :)
Sonya says
I will try your suggestions tomorrow!!! the PB issue makes sense and is probably the problem. thanks for having this website :)
Dani says
I love all these flavors! I can’t wait to make these!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
They sound so good!
Paula says
I love chocolate and pretzels together! My favorite treat is chocolate covered pretzels from Trader Joe’s. I think that would be a nice addition to these. :) I have to try these, with or without those! I always love granola bars.
Annie says
What an awesome idea, Paula! Omitting the chocolate chips and pretzels and just adding those would make these even easier! :)
Ari@The Diva Dish says
Love the sound of this, especially with the addition of pretzels!
Annie says
Thanks Ari! The pretzels add so much flavor! :)
Jillienne @ ChasingRaspberries says
I love that these are no-bake granola bars! The hubs eats granola bars for breakfast every morning so I’m excited to try out this healthy version!
Annie says
I hope he enjoys them!
Julia {The Roasted Root} says
Oooooh, sounds like your husband has one fantastic job!! So exciting! Your granola bars look innnncredible! I’d definitely be thrilled to whip up a batch of your Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Granola Bars ;) Good luck to your hubby! fingers crossed!
Annie says
Thanks, Julia! Yes, it’s definitely an exciting job. :) I will pass along your good luck!