No-Bake Granola Bars
These chewy, no-bake granola bars come together in just 15 minutes and taste way better than store-bought!
You can customize them with whatever nuts, seeds, or dried fruits you have in your pantry. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to toss in your bag without turning into crumbs.
Variations & Substitutions
You can create a gingerbread version by adding cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the dry ingredients, plus a touch of molasses to the wet mixture.
For a fruity twist, try a cherry-almond variation with dried cherries and slivered almonds, using almond extract instead of vanilla. The possibilities are endless – from chocolate-peanut butter to apricot-orange-walnut combinations.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
The secret to perfect granola bars lies in the binding process. Use runny, natural nut butter for the best consistency.
When pressing the mixture into the pan, press firmly – I mean really firmly! This is crucial for bars that hold together. The chilling step is non-negotiable; it helps everything set properly and makes cutting much easier.
Making the Recipe Stand Out
I recommend toasting the oats beforehand for enhanced flavor. Adding a pinch of sea salt creates an amazing sweet-salty balance.
For visual appeal, try pressing extra mini chocolate chips on top before refrigerating. The contrast between the golden base and dark chocolate makes them look professionally made.
Storage & Reheating
These bars are best stored in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for several weeks. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months.
When frozen, just pull one out and let it thaw for a few hours before enjoying. In humid climates, refrigeration is definitely your best bet for maintaining that perfect chewy texture.
No-Bake Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups quick oats
- 1½ cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8 or 9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Mix oats, rice cereal, and flaxseed in a large bowl
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, honey, and brown sugar
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for 1½ more minutes
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Pour syrup over dry ingredients, mixing gently to coat
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Press mixture firmly into prepared pan
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cutting
