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No-Bake Granola Bars

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No-bake granola bars combine creamy nut butter, honey, and oats for a satisfyingly chewy texture. Simply warm the nut butter and honey, mix with vanilla and oats, then fold in favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Press into a pan, chill until firm, and cut into bars for easy snacking. These bars keep well in the refrigerator and can be adjusted for allergies or dietary preferences, like swapping maple syrup for honey or using seed butter. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, lunchboxes, or an energizing snack.

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Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:48:49 GMT
A close up of a granola bar with chocolate chips and raisins. Save
A close up of a granola bar with chocolate chips and raisins. | krispywithmia.com

These chewy no-bake granola bars are the answer for anyone needing a healthy snack or fuss-free breakfast on busy mornings. Mixing up pantry staples and your favorite add-ins, you get something both wholesome and totally customizable. My kids call these the magic bars because we always come up with a new flavor combo based on what’s hiding in the cupboard.

Honestly these bars have rescued me on countless mornings when we are dashing out the door I first made them to use up a half-empty bag of oats and now they are a staple for school lunches

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: Adds a chewy base and fiber Look for thick-cut or old fashioned oats for best texture Use gluten-free if you need
  • Nut butter: Peanut almond or cashew bring flavor and help everything stick Natural nut butters with just nuts and salt work great
  • Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the bars and holds them together Choose local honey or real maple syrup for pure flavor
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warm background notes Go for pure not imitation for best taste
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors Use flaky sea salt if you want a touch of crunch
  • Mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips for a little indulgence Chopped nuts for crunch and protein Dried fruit for chewy sweetness Shredded coconut for tropical flair Chia or flax seeds for a nutrition boost I like to grab whatever I have handy and mix it up every time

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Line a baking pan with parchment paper making sure to leave extra at the sides Curl the paper into the corners for sharp bar edges
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Add oats and salt to a big bowl Stir well so the salt evenly seasons everything
Warm the Wet Ingredients:
In a smaller microwave safe bowl combine nut butter and honey Heat until runny and warm about thirty seconds then stir in vanilla
Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the oats Stir patiently until every oat is glossy with the mixture
Add Your Mix-Ins:
Scatter in your chosen chocolate chips nuts fruit coconut or seeds Fold gently until all are evenly mixed in
Press Into the Pan:
Scrape the mixture into your lined pan Use the back of a measuring cup to press very firmly on every inch Compactness helps the bars hold their shape
Chill to Set:
Slide your pan into the fridge for one hour or until the bars are firm to the touch This gives time for the nut butter and sweetener to bind everything together
Slice and Store:
Grab the edges of the parchment and lift the whole slab out to a cutting board Use your sharpest knife to cut into twelve bars Wipe the knife after each slice for crisp edges
A close up of a chocolate covered granola bar. Save
A close up of a chocolate covered granola bar. | krispywithmia.com

My favorite thing is sneaking in extra seeds or little bits of dried apricot The kids never notice but it makes me feel a bit like a breakfast ninja Nothing beats the smile I get when I hand out one of these bars on a sleepy morning

Storage Tips

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge and they will stay chewy for up to one week You can also wrap them individually for packed lunches or freeze them in a zip top bag for up to three months letting them thaw at room temperature before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want nut free bars use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds as mix-ins Maple syrup is perfect for anyone avoiding honey Swap in puffed rice for a lighter bite or swirl in a few pinches of cinnamon for a new twist

A tray of granola bars with nuts and fruit. Save
A tray of granola bars with nuts and fruit. | krispywithmia.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair a bar with thick Greek yogurt and some fresh berries for a breakfast that keeps you full till lunch These also make great afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner Just cut smaller pieces if you want a bite size treat

Pro Tips

  • Let the bars set in the fridge at least an hour so they slice cleanly
  • Press down very firmly on the mixture so the bars have good structure
  • Add chocolate chips after the nut butter mixture cools a bit so they do not melt everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free mix-ins such as vegan chocolate chips or extra dried fruits.

→ What are the best nut butter options?

Peanut, almond, or cashew butter all work well. For a nut-free alternative, try sunflower seed butter.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Individual wrapping is great for grab-and-go snacks.

→ Can I add extra flavors?

Yes, add a pinch of cinnamon, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, or experiment with various mix-ins like coconut or seeds.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

They are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.

→ What tools do I need to prepare these?

You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups/spoons, a microwave or saucepan, an 8x8-inch pan, parchment paper, and a spatula.

No-Bake Granola Bars

Soft, chewy bars packed with oats, nuts, and fruit. Perfect for a speedy, nutritious snack any time.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 min
By: Mia Chen

Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Serves (12 bars)

Diet Suitability: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 200 g rolled oats (certified gluten-free if required)
02 240 g nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
03 110 ml honey (or maple syrup for vegan preparation)
04 2.5 ml vanilla extract
05 1.25 ml salt

→ Mix-ins

06 50 g mini chocolate chips
07 30 g chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
08 30 g dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
09 10 g shredded coconut (optional)
10 8 g chia seeds or flaxseed (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Line a 20x20 cm baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.

Step 03

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently heat nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) for 30–45 seconds until pourable. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all oats are coated.

Step 05

Fold in selected mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and seeds until evenly distributed.

Step 06

Transfer mixture into the prepared pan. Press down very firmly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to compact and level the surface.

Step 07

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the mixture is fully set.

Step 08

Lift the chilled slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut evenly into 12 bars with a sharp knife.

Step 09

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.

Notes

  1. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
  2. Sunflower seed butter may be used to make the bars nut-free.
  3. Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
  4. Bars can be individually wrapped to maintain freshness for grab-and-go convenience.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave or small saucepan
  • 20x20 cm baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Sharp knife

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Contains nuts and may contain dairy if using standard chocolate chips.
  • Certified gluten-free oats are needed for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • For nut allergies, replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit optional nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 5 g