Easy No Bake Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

No bake granola bars are a quick and satisfying snack perfect for busy days. With wholesome oats, nuts, and your choice of sweeteners, these bars come together in just 15 minutes without turning on the oven.

The image shows seven square granola bars arranged in a close group on a white plate. Each bar has multiple layers, with a base of oats giving a light tan color, mixed with visible dark raisins and sunflower seeds scattered on top, adding texture and contrast. The bars look chewy with a slightly glossy surface, showing the sticky binding ingredients. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries)
  • ½ cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds and walnuts)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth; microwave for 20 seconds if needed to soften the peanut butter.
  3. Step 3: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
  4. Step 4: Fold in dried fruits and chocolate chips if using them.
  5. Step 5: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture evenly into the pan.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to set before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use seeds instead of nuts.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well.
  • Try swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variety.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month. Let bars thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating. They can also be stored at room temperature for up to two days but keep them covered to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows several square oat bars arranged neatly on a white rectangular plate. Each bar has visible layers: the top layer is golden brown with a mixture of oats and lightly crunchy nuts, and the middle layer appears dense, slightly darker with soft, chewy textures and small dark bits, likely dried fruit or chocolate chips. The bars are thick and have clean, sharp edges. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine and adds extra texture to the bars.

What if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the pan?

You can lightly grease the pan instead, but parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars without sticking.

Print
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Easy No Bake Granola Bars Recipe


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These easy no bake granola bars are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack made with rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, dried fruits, nuts, and optional chocolate chips. Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an energy-boosting treat without the need for baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds and walnuts)
  • ½ cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats and mixed nuts until evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare wet mixture: In another bowl, stir the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together until smooth. If needed, microwave this mixture for about 20 seconds to make it easier to combine.
  3. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the oats and nuts, then stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are coated and combined.
  4. Add fruits and chocolate: Gently fold in the dried fruits and chocolate chips if you are using them, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Press into pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer.
  6. Set in refrigerator: Refrigerate the pan for at least one hour to allow the bars to set and firm up before cutting into 12 bars.

Notes

  • Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
  • Optional chocolate chips add sweetness but can be omitted for a healthier version.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
  • For a firmer bar, press the mixture down very tightly into the pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: no bake granola bars, easy granola bars, healthy snack, peanut butter bars, energy bars, homemade granola bars

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