Looking for a quick and tasty snack? This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola is easy to make and perfect for busy days. Packed with hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser! In this simple recipe, I’ll share the ingredients, steps, and clever tips to ensure yours turns out great. You’ll enjoy this delicious granola for breakfast or anytime you need a boost.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with oats, nuts, and honey, this granola is nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste, such as using different nuts or adding dried fruits.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
You need simple, tasty ingredients for this granola. Old-fashioned rolled oats give it a hearty base. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Creamy peanut butter gives a rich flavor. Brown sugar adds depth. Vanilla extract brings warmth. Salt enhances all the flavors. Cinnamon adds a warm spice.
You can choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips based on your taste. Nuts add crunch and protein. If you like coconut, sprinkle in some shredded coconut for fun.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make this delicious treat. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparation
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gather these tools: a medium saucepan, a large mixing bowl, and a spatula.
- You will also need these ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Combining Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, heat honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter over low heat.
- Stir the mix until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut (if using).
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Stir until all the dry items are well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even browning.
- Keep an eye on it; it can burn quickly.
- Once golden brown and fragrant, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- When cool, break the granola into clusters.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Granola
To get the right texture for your granola, focus on the oats. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best bite. They hold together well and give a nice chew. When mixing, ensure every oat is coated with the peanut butter mixture. This helps them toast evenly.
To avoid burning, keep an eye on the oven. Granola can go from perfect to burnt in minutes. Stir it halfway through baking. This helps it brown evenly and keeps it from getting too dark. If you see it changing color quickly, reduce the time or lower the oven temperature slightly.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy your granola in many fun ways. Try it in yogurt for a tasty breakfast. It also works great as a topping on ice cream. Another idea is to mix it into a smoothie for added crunch.
For a great presentation, serve the granola in a mason jar. This gives a rustic look that is appealing. You can also sprinkle some extra chocolate chips and nuts on top before serving. It makes your dish look even more inviting!
Pro Tips
- Use Natural Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, you can experiment with coconut sugar or agave syrup for a healthier twist.
- Mix and Match Nuts: Feel free to use any combination of nuts you love, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to personalize your granola.
- Adjust the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the granola as it bakes; different ovens may require slight adjustments to the baking time.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your granola in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Variations
Flavor Customization
You can easily change the taste of your granola. Here are some fun add-ins:
- Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add sweetness.
- Seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds add crunch.
- Spices like nutmeg or ginger can give a warm flavor.
If you want a different sweetener, you can swap honey or maple syrup. Use agave nectar or coconut sugar for a new twist.
Dietary Adjustments
Want a gluten-free granola? Just use gluten-free oats. They work just as well.
For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps it sweet and plant-based. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips to stay vegan.
These changes let everyone enjoy this tasty treat.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your peanut butter chocolate chip granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. If you want to keep out moisture, use a container with a tight seal.
You can also add a food-safe desiccant packet to absorb moisture. This helps maintain crunchiness. Avoid storing granola in warm areas like near the stove. A cool, dry place is best.
Shelf Life
Granola can last up to two weeks if stored correctly. If you keep it in the fridge, it may last a little longer. Check for signs of staleness. If it smells off or feels soft, it’s time to toss it.
Another sign is a lack of crunch. Fresh granola should be crispy. If it loses that crunch, it may not taste great. Always trust your senses to judge freshness!
FAQs
Common Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a fun texture. The granola will have a nice crunch from the peanut chunks.
Is granola healthy?
Granola can be healthy. It has oats, which are good for you. However, check the sugar content. Too much sugar can make it less healthy.
How can I make my granola less sugary?
To make granola less sugary, use less honey or maple syrup. You can also replace them with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the taste while cutting sugar.
Can I freeze peanut butter granola?
Yes, you can freeze peanut butter granola. Just put it in an airtight bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge.
You learned how to make tasty peanut butter chocolate chip granola. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can customize flavors and adjust for diets too. Proper storage keeps your granola fresh longer. Enjoy your homemade treat as a snack, breakfast, or topping. Don’t hesitate to try different mixes and find your favorite! Now, get in the kitchen and create something deliciou
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 2 brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 2 salt
- 1 2 cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1 2 chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1 2 shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut (if using).
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it as it can burn quickly.
- Once golden brown and fragrant, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container.
