Snack lovers, rejoice! These Homemade No-Bake Granola Bars are the perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and sweet, all while being incredibly easy to make. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and honey, they’re the ultimate grab-and-go snack that will satisfy your cravings and keep you fueled throughout the day.
Imagine biting into a bar that’s naturally sweetened, loaded with texture, and free of any mystery ingredients. These granola bars are completely customizable, so you can create your own flavor combinations with your favorite mix-ins. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious, no-bake bars ready to power you through busy mornings, post-workout sessions, or mid-afternoon slumps.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Oats: The base of the bars, providing texture and wholesome fiber.
- Nut butter: Acts as a binder and adds creamy, nutty flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that helps hold the bars together.
- Mix-ins: Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips add flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- 1/3 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of salt. If using chocolate chips, set them aside for later to prevent melting. - Make the binding mixture
In a small saucepan, heat the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. - Combine and mix
Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. If using chocolate chips, fold them in once the mixture has cooled slightly. - Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. - Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set. - Cut and serve
Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars or squares and enjoy!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Chill Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition (per bar, ~10 bars)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~5g
Expert Tips
- Press firmly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold their shape.
- Use sticky sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup helps bind the bars. Avoid using dry sweeteners like granulated sugar.
- Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture.
How do I store these granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrap the bars individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter and skip the nuts for a school-safe version.
- Add spices: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars before chilling for a sweet touch.
Homemade No-Bake Granola Bars
Equipment
- - Large mixing bowl
- - Saucepan
- - 8x8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- - 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- - 1/2 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or cashew
- - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- - 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.
- - 1/3 cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots
- - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - Pinch of salt
Instructions
- **Prepare the pan**
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- **Mix the dry ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of salt. If using chocolate chips, set them aside for later to prevent melting.
- **Make the binding mixture**
- In a small saucepan, heat the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined.
- **Combine and mix**
- Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. If using chocolate chips, fold them in once the mixture has cooled slightly.
- **Press into the pan**
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- **Chill**
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
- **Cut and serve**
- Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars or squares and enjoy!
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