Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

If you have a soft spot for crunchy, nutty snacks that carry the irresistible flavor of peanut butter, you are going to adore this recipe for Peanut Butter Granola. Packed with wholesome oats and roasted peanuts, sweetened ever so gently with honey and brown sugar, this granola hits all the right notes for a satisfying, hearty treat. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it by the handful, or use it as a base for your breakfast bowl, this Peanut Butter Granola is simple to make, utterly delicious, and will quickly become one of your go-to pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Granola comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the hearty old-fashioned oats providing crunch and fiber to the rich peanut butter bringing flavor and creaminess, every component is essential for a beautifully balanced granola.

• Old-fashioned oats (4 cups): The foundation of the granola, lending a chewy texture and wholesome goodness.
• Peanuts (1 cup): Roasted nuts add crunch and an extra peanut punch that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Light brown sugar, loosely packed (1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of molasses richness that deepens the flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, scant): A warm spice note that enhances the nutty aroma without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Brings richness and helps everything bind together for those perfect clusters.
• Peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the granola with creamy, nutty goodness.
• Honey (1/3 cup): Acts as a natural sweetener and helps create that desirable golden color and crispiness.
• Egg whites (2 large): These help bind the granola clusters without adding heaviness or extra fat.

How to Make Peanut Butter Granola

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first: preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and give it a quick spray with non-stick spray. This simple prep step ensures that your granola won’t stick and will bake evenly, developing those perfect golden clusters we all love.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and combine the oats, peanuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together until everything is nicely blended; this will make sure every bite has an even distribution of flavors and textures, from sweet to nutty and from soft to crunchy.

Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, peanut butter, honey, and egg whites until smoothly combined. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly is key to coating the dry mix evenly, which helps your granola clusters stick together and bake with that ideal crunch.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat and peanut mixture. Stir everything until the oats and nuts are well coated in the peanut butter blend. This step is where the Peanut Butter Granola starts coming alive with flavor and texture, as the peanut butter and honey envelope every last oat and peanut.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the coated granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even baking. You’ll know it’s done when it smells fragrant, looks golden brown, and is crisp to the touch. This slow baking process toasts the oats and nuts to perfection while giving the granola a deep, rich peanut butter flavor.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the Peanut Butter Granola cool completely right on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will crisp up even more. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. These clusters will keep for several weeks, ready to brighten your mornings or snack times anytime you crave that peanut butter goodness.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Granola

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Peanut Butter Granola over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Add fresh berries or sliced bananas on top to introduce a juicy contrast that brightens the deep nuttiness of the granola. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or alongside a bowl of chilled smoothie. For breakfast, serve it with milk or a plant-based alternative, transforming it into a wholesome cereal that’s both crunchy and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to complement sweet or savory breakfast fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Use Peanut Butter Granola as a topping for homemade peanut butter smoothies, or press it into the bottom of a tart pan as a crunchy crust for no-bake desserts. You can also layer it with pudding or parfaits for added texture and flavor surprise. The possibilities are endless when you have a batch of this granola at hand.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for about 2 to 3 weeks. Keeping it sealed tightly is important to maintain that addictive crisp texture and to prevent the nuttiness from becoming stale.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Peanut Butter Granola even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Pack it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it out at room temperature. The granola maintains its taste and texture beautifully when frozen.

Reheating

To refresh your granola clusters, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (around 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes. This will revive the crunch and bring back that warm, nutty aroma. Just be sure to keep a close eye to avoid any burning or over-toasting.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well as alternatives and will give your granola a unique twist while maintaining that creamy texture. Just use a similar quantity to keep the consistency right.

Is it necessary to use egg whites in the recipe?

Egg whites help bind the granola and develop crisp clusters, but if you prefer to avoid eggs, you can substitute with aquafaba or flax egg. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How crunchy will this Peanut Butter Granola be?

This granola strikes a perfect balance of crunchiness and chewiness, thanks to the slow bake and binding from the peanut butter and egg whites. It creates clumps that are satisfyingly crisp but not overly hard.

Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Add dried cranberries, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips after baking and cooling to prevent melting or softening. They add a lovely burst of flavor and contrast to the peanut butter base.

What’s the best way to enjoy this granola for breakfast?

One of my favorite ways is to layer Peanut Butter Granola with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey to make a quick and nourishing parfait. It’s an easy, delicious way to kickstart your day.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Peanut Butter Granola at home is such a gratifying experience, especially when the entire kitchen fills with the aroma of toasted oats and warm peanut butter. This recipe is not only easy but versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste and lifestyle. Whether as a snack, breakfast, or dessert topping, it’s a wonderfully nourishing treat that keeps well and satisfies those peanut butter cravings anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every crunchy, nutty bite as much as I do!