Homemade No Bake Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

No bake granola bars are a quick and easy snack perfect for busy days or on-the-go munching. With wholesome oats, nut butter, and your favorite mix-ins, these bars come together without any baking required. They’re customizable, tasty, and great for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
• 1/3 cup honey (maple syrup, or agave)
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides to make removing the bars easier later.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and your chosen mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the nut butter and honey together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir well to evenly coat all the oats.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
6. Step 6: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm enough to cut.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the oats lightly before mixing.
• Swap nut butter varieties to change the flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for additional taste.
• Use dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast.
• Press the mixture tightly to ensure bars hold together well.

Storage

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap bars individually and freeze for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are preferred for texture, but quick oats can be used if pressed firmly. Expect a softer, less chewy bar.

What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a natural sweetener and binder in equal amounts.

Homemade No Bake Granola Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

These Homemade No Bake Granola Bars are a quick and healthy snack option made with rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. They require no baking and come together easily with simple ingredients, making them perfect for a nutritious breakfast on the go or an energy-boosting snack.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup, or agave)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides to help remove the granola bars easily once set.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats with your choice of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt together the nut butter and honey until smooth and fully combined. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted nut butter mixture over the oat mixture, stirring well to thoroughly coat all the oats and mix-ins evenly.
5. Press into the Pan: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly using the back of a spoon or spatula to pack everything tightly and evenly for firm bars.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture sets firm enough to be cut into bars cleanly.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to easily lift bars from the pan without sticking.
• You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option.
• Feel free to customize mix-ins based on preference or dietary needs.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• For firmer bars, chill overnight before cutting.
• If nut allergies are a concern, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter.

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