Looking for a deliciously sweet treat that requires no baking and is ready in just 15 minutes? Say hello to these No Bake M&M Pretzel Granola Bars! Perfectly balanced with the crunch of pretzels, the chewiness of oats, and the delightful sweetness of M&M's and chocolate chips, these bars are an irresistible snack for kids and adults alike. Whether you're prepping for a busy week, planning a fun family treat, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will have you covered. Dive into this easy-to-follow guide and discover how to create these mouthwatering bars that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup M&M's
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, crush the pretzel sticks into small, bite-sized pieces using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet. Leave some larger fragments for texture.
- Add rolled oats to the crushed pretzels and mix thoroughly to combine.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
- Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the pretzel and oat mixture, stirring until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes to prevent chocolate from melting completely.
- Gently fold in the M&M's and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm and completely set.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block from the pan and slice into 12 equal bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Crush with Care: When crushing the pretzel sticks, aim for a mix of small pieces and larger fragments to give your bars an enjoyable texture. A rolling pin or heavy skillet works wonders!
- Microwave Magic: Make sure to stir the peanut butter and honey mixture halfway through microwaving to achieve a smooth consistency without overheating.
- Cool Before Mixing: Allow the peanut butter and honey mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the chocolate chips and M&M's. This prevents them from melting completely and losing their shape.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. This helps the bars hold together once set.
- Chill for Perfection: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the mixture for 1-2 hours is crucial for achieving that perfect, firm texture.
- Storage Savvy: Keep your granola bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they'll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
