Easy No Bake Granola Bars
These Easy No Bake Granola Bars are chewy, wholesome, and naturally satisfying. Made with simple pantry staples like oats, nut butter, and a touch of sweetness, they hold together perfectly without turning on the oven. They’re a quick, grab-and-go snack that’s great for busy days and meal prep.
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.
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- Honey makes firmer bars; maple syrup gives a softer texture.
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- Helps the bars set firmly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ 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 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.
Video
Notes
📝 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.