These easy no-bake granola bars are the perfect solution for a quick and healthy snack. Packed with nutritious oats, peanut butter, and your favorite mix-ins, these bars are simple to make and require no baking time. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Photos of Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but some mix-ins might require a trip to the supermarket. Look for items like almonds, pecans, or any other large nuts to blend in. Honey and vanilla extract should be easy to find in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Easy No-Bake Granola Bars
Old-fashioned oats: The base of the granola bars, providing a chewy texture and whole grain goodness.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the bars.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Mix-ins: Customize your bars with a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.
Creamy peanut butter: Acts as a binding agent and adds a rich, nutty taste.
Honey: Sweetens the bars naturally and helps hold them together.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
One reader, Antonetta Ehlers says:
These no-bake granola bars are fantastic! They’re super easy to make and taste delicious. The combination of oats, peanut butter, and honey is perfect. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite mix-ins. Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go!
Techniques Required for Making No-Bake Granola Bars
How to line a baker: Use parchment paper to line a 9-inch square baker with two strips of crisscrossed parchment paper, cut to fit neatly against the base and up the sides. This will make it easy to slice the bars later.
How to process mix-ins: Use a food processor or blender to briefly process the mix-ins. Add any large nuts (like almonds or pecans) first and blitz for a few seconds, then add the rest and run the machine for a few more seconds until the ingredients are all broken up into pieces smaller than a pinky nail.
How to warm liquid mixture: Gently warm the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave if needed, but ensure it’s close to room temperature before pouring it into the dry mixture to avoid melting any chocolate mix-ins.
How to pack mixture: Use the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass) to pack the granola mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible in the prepared baker.
How to slice bars: When ready to slice, lift the bars out of the baker by grabbing both pieces of parchment paper on opposite corners. Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 4 even columns and 4 even rows.
How To Make Easy No-Bake Granola Bars
Have a bite of this delightfully light no-bake naturally sweetened granola bars made of oats, cinnamon, nuts, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¾cupsold-fashioned oats,or quick-cooking oats
- 1tspcinnamon,ground
- ½tspfine sea salt,if using regular table salt, scale back a bit
- 2cupsmix-ins,such as nuts , seeds, chocolate, shredded coconut, or dried fruit
- 1cupcreamy peanut butter,or almond butter
- ½cuphoney,or maple syrup
- 1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Line a 9-inch square baker with two strips of crisscrossed parchment paper, cut to fit neatly against the base and up the sides. The parchment paper will make it easy to slice the bars later.
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Place the oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the cinnamon and salt, and stir to combine. Set aside.
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Process the mix-ins briefly in the food processor or blender (or chop them by hand). Add any large nuts (like almonds or pecans) first and blitz for a few seconds.
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Then add the rest and run the machine for a few more seconds, until the ingredients are all broken up into pieces smaller than the pinky nail. Pour the mix-ins into the bowl of oats.
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In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, measure out the peanut butter. Top with ½ cup of honey and the vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
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If needed, gently warm the liquid mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, but make sure it’s close to room temperature before you pour it into the dry mixture (this is especially important if using chocolate since it will melt).
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Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a big spoon to mix them together, until the two are evenly combined and no dry oats remain. If the mixture was easy to mix together, add more oat. Sprinkle in more oats until it can’t be incorporated anymore.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared square baker. Use a spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly in the baker, then use the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass) to pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
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Cover the baker and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. (The oats need time to soak up some of the moisture so they aren’t sticky.)
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When ready to slice, lift the bars out of the baker by grabbing both pieces of parchment paper on opposite corners. Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 4 even columns and 4 even rows.
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Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper (if stored all together, they will stick to one another). Bars keep well for several days at room temperature, a couple of weeks in the fridge, or several months in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for best flavor.
Recipe Notes
- For the texture of the granola bar, if using old-fashioned oats and would prefer a more smooth, less chewy texture, blitz the oats in a food processor for 3 to 5 seconds to break them up. Then, add them to the bowl.
- To make it gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- To make it nut-free, do not use nuts (pepitas and sunflower seeds are good options) and replace the peanut butter with sunflower butter.
- To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey
Nutrition
- Calories: 162.25kcal
- Fat: 8.89g
- Saturated Fat: 1.76g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.22g
- Carbohydrates: 18.46g
- Fiber: 1.74g
- Sugar: 10.55g
- Protein: 4.82g
- Sodium: 76.14mg
- Calcium: 14.35mg
- Potassium: 127.92mg
- Iron: 0.75mg
- Vitamin A: 0.02µg
- Vitamin C: 0.06mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting No-Bake Granola Bars
To ensure your granola bars hold together well, make sure to pack the mixture down as firmly as possible in the pan. Use the bottom of a flat, round surface like a sturdy drinking glass to press the mixture evenly. This step is crucial for achieving bars that don't crumble apart when sliced.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Easy No-Bake Granola Bars
Use pre-chopped mix-ins: Save time by buying pre-chopped nuts and dried fruits instead of chopping them yourself.
Microwave peanut butter and honey: Quickly warm the peanut butter and honey mixture in the microwave for easier blending.
Line the pan efficiently: Use pre-cut parchment paper sheets to line your pan quickly.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze extra granola bars for future use.
No food processor: Skip the food processor and use pre-packaged granola mix with small pieces.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats have a similar texture and will bind well in no-bake recipes.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes offer a gluten-free alternative and add a slightly different texture.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon and other spices, adding a complex flavor.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar taste but may need to be adjusted in quantity due to its coarser texture.
fine sea salt - Substitute with table salt: Table salt is finer and more concentrated, so use slightly less.
mix-ins - Substitute with dried fruit: Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or apricots add natural sweetness and chewiness.
mix-ins - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add a sweet, rich flavor and a bit of crunch.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free alternative with a similar consistency.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a different but complementary sweetness and is vegan-friendly.
honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a plant-based sweetener with a similar consistency to honey.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements many mix-ins.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique, sweet flavor that pairs well with oats and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present Homemade Granola Bars
Use a square mold: Shape the granola bars into perfect squares using a 9-inch square baker lined with parchment paper for clean edges and easy removal.
Incorporate texture: Ensure the mix-ins like nuts and dried fruits are finely chopped to create a uniform texture that complements the oats.
Layer flavors: Blend cinnamon and sea salt with the oats to enhance the overall flavor profile of the bars.
Balance sweetness: Use honey and vanilla extract to add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the creamy peanut butter.
Ensure even mixing: Combine the peanut butter mixture with the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite has a consistent flavor.
Press firmly: Use a flat, round surface to pack the mixture down firmly in the baker, ensuring the bars hold together well.
Chill properly: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the oats to absorb moisture and set properly.
Slice precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into even pieces, ensuring a professional and clean presentation.
Wrap individually: Wrap each bar in parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness, making them easy to serve and eat.
Garnish elegantly: Optionally, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or drizzle a bit of honey on top for an added touch of elegance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making No-Bake Granola Bars
Parchment paper: Used to line the baking dish, making it easy to lift out and slice the granola bars.
9-inch square baker: The dish where the granola mixture will be pressed and set.
Large mixing bowl: For combining the oats, cinnamon, salt, and mix-ins.
Food processor: To chop the mix-ins into smaller pieces.
2-cup liquid measuring cup: For measuring and mixing the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract.
Spoon: Used to mix the dry and wet ingredients together.
Flat, round surface: Such as the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass, to pack the mixture down firmly in the baker.
Sharp knife: For slicing the granola bars into even pieces.
Plastic wrap: To wrap individual bars for storage.
Microwave: Optional, for gently warming the peanut butter and honey mixture if needed.
Stovetop: Optional, another method for gently warming the peanut butter and honey mixture if needed.
Storing and Freezing Homemade No-Bake Granola Bars
- Wrap individual granola bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Granola bars can be stored at room temperature for several days, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped granola bars in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- To freeze the granola bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen granola bars can be stored for up to several months, ensuring you always have a healthy snack on hand.
- To thaw frozen granola bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or place them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Thawed granola bars may have a slightly softer texture compared to freshly made ones, but they will still be delicious and satisfying.
Interesting Trivia About No-Bake Granola Bars
A fun fact about this recipe is that it can be easily customized with various mix-ins such as dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts. This flexibility allows you to create a unique flavor profile each time you make these granola bars.
Is Making No-Bake Granola Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy no-bake granola bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like old-fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, and honey are affordable and often bought in bulk, reducing costs. Mix-ins can be tailored to budget, using items like raisins or chocolate chips. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10.
Are No-Bake Granola Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The no-bake granola bars recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars, as it contains wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey. Oats are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, while honey is a natural sweetener that offers some antioxidants.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Consider reducing the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content. You can experiment with using just 1/3 cup of honey and increasing the peanut butter to maintain the right consistency
- Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to avoid added sugars and oils
- Include a variety of nutrient-dense mix-ins, such as dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), seeds (like chia or pumpkin seeds), and nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to boost the fiber, protein, and healthy fat content
- Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture to increase the protein content, which can help with muscle recovery and growth
- Experiment with using other whole grains, such as quinoa or buckwheat, in place of some of the oats to diversify the nutrient profile
By making these adjustments, you can create a well-balanced, nutrient-packed snack that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Editor's Opinion on This No-Bake Granola Bar Recipe
This no-bake granola bar recipe is a fantastic blend of simplicity and versatility. The combination of oats, peanut butter, and honey creates a chewy, satisfying base, while the mix-ins allow for endless customization. The use of parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean slicing. The refrigeration step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Overall, this recipe is a convenient and healthy snack option that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Enhance Your Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe:
This recipe is a reliable choice because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, and honey. The no-bake method ensures ease and convenience, making it perfect for busy schedules. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla extract adds a delightful flavor, while the customizable mix-ins allow for personal preferences. The detailed instructions ensure a foolproof process, resulting in delicious, nutritious bars that store well for extended periods.
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