These Easy No Bake Granola Bars are chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made without an oven, they come together quickly using pantry staples like oats, nut butter, and honey. They’re perfect for busy mornings, school lunchboxes, post workout snacks, or when you need something sweet but nourishing.
Unlike store-bought granola bars, these homemade bars are customizable, budget-friendly, and free from unnecessary additives. You control the sweetness, texture, and mix-ins, making them ideal for kids and adults alike.
If you love easy homemade snacks like Freezer Breakfast Burritos or healthier treats such as Chocolate Avocado Mousse, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Easy No Bake Granola Bars
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Granola Bars
- No oven required
- Ready in under 15 minutes (plus chill time)
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Naturally sweetened
- Easy to customize
- Great for meal prep
They’re soft, chewy, and hold together perfectly without baking.
What Are No Bake Granola Bars?
No bake granola bars are pressed oat based bars that set in the fridge instead of the oven. A sticky mixture of nut butter and sweetener binds the oats and mix ins together. Once chilled, they firm up enough to slice into bars.
They’re popular because they’re quick, kid-friendly, and easy to adjust for different diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
Use rolled oats, not steel cut. Quick oats work but make softer bars. - ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter also work. - â…“ cup honey or maple syrup
Honey makes firmer bars; maple syrup gives a softer texture. - ÂĽ cup coconut oil, melted
Helps the bars set firmly. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
Optional Mix Ins (Choose 1–2 cups total)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Shredded coconut
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Oats:
Rolled oats give the best chewy texture. Quick oats make softer bars.
Nut Butter:
Use natural nut butter (just nuts + salt). If it’s too thick, warm slightly.
Sweetener:
Honey sets firmer; maple syrup is vegan-friendly.
Coconut Oil:
You can replace with butter, but coconut oil keeps bars dairy free.
How to Make Easy No Bake Granola Bars
This recipe takes 10–15 minutes active time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Salt
- Any dry mix-ins (nuts, seeds, coconut)
Stir well.
Step 3: Heat Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, add:
- Peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Coconut oil
Heat gently, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the warm mixture over the oats.
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in chocolate chips last (so they don’t fully melt).
Step 5: Press into Pan
Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
Press down firmly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
This step is key for bars that hold together.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Lift out using parchment paper.
Cut into bars or squares.
Texture and Flavor
- Texture: Chewy, soft, and sturdy
- Flavor: Mildly sweet, nutty, and satisfying
They taste like store bought granola bars but fresher and better.
Pro Tips for Perfect Granola Bars
- Press mixture firmly into the pan
- Chill completely before cutting
- Use honey for firmer bars
- Let bars warm slightly before slicing for clean cuts
- Store chilled for best texture
Easy Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Bars
Add cocoa powder and extra chocolate chips.
Protein Granola Bars
Stir in protein powder and extra nut butter.
Nut Free Version
Use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds.
Fruit & Nut Bars
Add chopped dates, cranberries, and almonds.
Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Mix in freeze dried banana slices.
Serving Ideas
They’re great any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Storage
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days
Freezing
- Freeze bars individually wrapped
- Store for up to 2 months
- Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature
Room Temperature
These bars are best chilled. At room temperature, they soften, especially in warm weather.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bar)
- Calories: 180–220
- Protein: 5–7g
- Fat: 9–11g
- Carbs: 20–24g
- Fiber: 3–4g
Values depend on mix-ins used.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Bars falling apart:
Press mixture more firmly or add extra nut butter.
Too sticky:
Add more oats.
Too dry:
Add a tablespoon of honey or coconut oil.
Chocolate melting:
Let mixture cool slightly before adding chips.
FAQs About No Bake Granola Bars
Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I skip coconut oil?
Yes, but bars will be softer. Butter is a good substitute.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if using certified gluten-free oats.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. It’s safe and fun for kids.
How long do they last?
Up to 7 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and no bake
- Healthy and filling
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable for any diet
- Family friendly
Once you make them, you’ll stop buying packaged granola bars.
Conclusion
These Easy No Bake Granola Bars are simple, wholesome, and endlessly customizable. With just a few ingredients and no oven, you can make a healthy snack that tastes great and keeps you full.
If you love easy make ahead recipes like Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Recipe or naturally sweet treats such as Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Easy No Bake Granola Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- Use rolled oats not steel cut. Quick oats work but make softer bars.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- Almond butter or sunflower seed butter also work.
- â…“ cup honey or maple syrup
- Honey makes firmer bars; maple syrup gives a softer texture.
- ÂĽ cup coconut oil melted
- Helps the bars set firmly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
Optional Mix Ins (Choose 1–2 cups total)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts almonds, peanuts, walnuts
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Shredded coconut
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8Ă—8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Salt
- Any dry mix-ins (nuts, seeds, coconut)
- Stir well.
Step 3: Heat Wet Ingredients
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add:
- Peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Coconut oil
- Heat gently, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Pour the warm mixture over the oats.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in chocolate chips last (so they don’t fully melt).
Step 5: Press into Pan
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
- Press down firmly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- This step is key for bars that hold together.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Lift out using parchment paper.
- Cut into bars or squares.
Video
Notes
đź“ť Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Any nut or seed butter works well, including peanut, almond, or sunflower butter.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used as the sweetener.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for easy grab-and-go snacks.
