Homemade No Bake Granola Bars Recipe

I love making these Best Homemade Granola Bars because they combine wholesome oats, nut butter, and honey with bursts of dried fruits, chocolate chips, and mixed seeds. I quickly mix these ingredients with a touch of vanilla and salt to create a snack that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

I’ve always been on the hunt for a snack that’s both easy and delicious so I tried my hand at these homemade no bake granola bars. I mix 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats with 1/2 cup natural nut butter and 1/3 cup honey to create a base that feels both hearty and flavorful.

Then, I add 1/2 cup dried fruits along with 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup mixed seeds, which gives a really fun crunch and a burst of taste in every bite. A teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt help to bring everything together, making it the best homemade granola bars I’ve ever had.

I have experimented with this granola bar recipe no bake version a lot and it has become my go-to for a nutritious treat with a real twist. It takes very little time to put together, just mix, press, chill, and enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love these no bake granola bars and here are a few reasons why I keep making them:

1. I can whip them up really easily. I just mix oats, dried fruits, chocolate chips and seeds in a bowl, then heat nut butter, honey, vanilla and a pinch of salt on the stove until everything is smooth. I stir it all together, press it firmly in a dish, chill it for a couple of hours and then cut them into bars. It’s so simple that I never feel overwhelmed.

2. This recipe is super versatile. I like that I can swap out or add ingredients that I have on hand. For example, sometimes I throw in extra dried fruits or a few more seeds. It feels like I’m making my own personal snack each time.

3. I appreciate that even though it tastes sweet and satisfying, I know exactly what’s going into it. It doesnt have any weird additives, and I enjoy the feeling of eating something homemade that is both a treat and a bit healthier than store-bought snacks.

Overall, these bars are my go-to snack when I need something quick, customizable and delicious.

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: They provide hearty fiber and slowly digest for long lasting energy.
• Natural Nut Butter: Rich in protein and healthy fats, binds ingredients and adds creaminess.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that energizes the bars and offers quick simple carbs.
• Dried Fruits: They infuse chewiness, natural sugars, vitamins, and a burst of tangy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide pockets of indulgent sweetness that satisfy chocolate cravings.
• Mixed Seeds: Add crunchy texture, healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins for extra nutrition.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• A pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural nut butter (like peanut butter or almond butter)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries can work really well)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup mixed seeds (like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix together the 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup dried fruits, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup mixed seeds.

2. In a small saucepan, gently heat the 1/2 cup natural nut butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir over low heat until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

3. Pour the heated mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl.

4. Stir everything together really well until the oats and add-ins are fully coated.

5. Transfer the mixture to a lined 8×8 inch baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands so it’s compact.

6. Chill the dish in the fridge for about 2 hours to let the bars set.

7. After it’s chilled enough, cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife.

8. Enjoy your delicious homemade no bake granola bars or store them in an airtight container for a quick snack later.

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl to mix all the dry ingredients
2. Measuring cups and spoons for the oats, nut butter, honey and all the add-ins
3. A small saucepan to heat up the nut butter mixture evenly
4. A spatula or wooden spoon to stir and press the mixture in the baking dish
5. An 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper to shape and set the bars
6. A sharp knife to cut the set mixture into bars or squares
7. A refrigerator to chill the granola bars for a couple of hours

These essentials are the basic kitchen equipment needed to make these no bake granola bars.

FAQ

Homemade No Bake Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find old fashioned rolled oats, you could try using gluten-free rolled oats or even quinoa flakes for a different texture
• Out of natural nut butter? Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter works pretty well if you’re looking for a change
• Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re aiming for a slightly different sweetness
• If you dont have dried fruits like raisins, chopped dates or dried apricots are a great alternative
• No chocolate chips at hand? Dark chocolate chunks or carob chips can be a cool substitute

Pro Tips

1. Toast the oats for a few minutes in a dry pan before you mix everything together. It gives the bars a nice nutty flavor that makes them extra tasty.
2. If your nut butter seems too thick, let it sit out a bit or warm it up for a couple minutes in the microwave so it’s easier to blend with the honey and vanilla.
3. When pressing the mix into the pan, lay a piece of parchment paper on top and press really hard. This helps the bars hold together better and cuts smoother.
4. Feel free to swap out some of the dried fruits or add in chopped nuts like almonds for a different texture and burst of flavor.