No Bake Granola Bars {3 Main Ingredients}
These no-bake granola bars are the perfect healthy on-the-go snack for the whole family! Made with just a few simple ingredients—rolled oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup or honey—you can customize them endlessly to suit your taste. They’re nutty, chewy, slightly crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite. This is a staple recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for busy days!
I almost called these “Kitchen Sink Granola Bars” because I love throwing in a little bit of everything.
But whether you prefer a simple, minimal version or enjoy packing in tons of flavors and textures, these bars will not disappoint.
Ingredients You Will Need
Base Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners that help bind the mixture together. Choose maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Peanut Butter: Acts as a binder and adds rich, nutty flavor.
Rolled Oats: The foundation of the bars, providing a chewy texture. Stick with rolled or quick oats—steel-cut oats won’t work in this recipe.
Mix-In Options
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Shaved Almonds
- Raisins
- Apple Chips
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
You can add just about any dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. The sky is the limit.
How To Make No Bake Granola Bars
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips to Make the Best No Bake Granola Bars
Press Firmly
If your bars are crumbling, they likely weren’t pressed firmly enough. Use the bottom of a jar or a measuring cup to pack them down tightly.
Chill Before Cutting
Cold bars hold their shape better, so don’t skip the chilling step before slicing.
Warm the Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup
If your peanut butter is too thick, microwave it for 30 seconds to loosen it up. Let it cool slightly before mixing in chocolate chips to prevent melting.
Storage Tips
Cut bars into portions before freezing. Double the batch so your family has ready-to-go snacks in the freezer for weeks!
Endless Variations to Keep Things Exciting
If your kids are like mine, they always want something “new.” These granola bars are perfect because you can easily switch up the mix-ins, nut butters, or sweeteners for a fresh flavor every time.
Flavor Rotations to Try:
- Tropical Delight: Dried pineapple, mango, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in cocoa powder and mix dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
- Chunky Monkey: Dried banana slices, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
- Rocky Road: Mini marshmallows and almonds.
- Protein Boost: Add a couple of scoops of protein powder (you may need a little milk if it’s too dry).
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars
- Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes of active prep time!
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Customizable: You control the mix-ins to suit your family’s taste.
- Kid-Approved: A great snack for lunchboxes, after-school, or busy mornings.
Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up, an after-dinner treat, or an on-the-go energy boost, these no-bake granola bars will be a hit every time. Plus, they’re easy enough for little ones to help make—mine love being part of the process!
I can’t wait for you to try these healthy homemade granola bars. They’ve become a staple in my home, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Get the recipe:No Bake Granola Bars {3 Main Ingredients}
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, or honey
Optional Add Ins (Total of 2 cups)
- 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- 1/3 cup Raisins
- 1/3 cup Shaved almonds
- 1/2 cup Apple Chips
- 1/4 cup Shredded Coconut
- 1/4 cup Seeds
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey) until smooth and well combined. If the mixture feels too thick, a quick microwave warm-up (about 15 seconds) will help loosen it up.
- In another bowl, combine oats and all the mix-ins of your choice.
- Combine the maple syrup peanut butter mixture with the mix-ins. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and sticks together.
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Pour in the mixture and press it firmly into the pan using the palm of your hands or the bottom of a jar. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice. If you’re short on time, pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Once set, lift the parchment paper out, place on a cutting board, and slice into bars or squares. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
