No-Bake Granola Energy Bars (Printable)

Chewy bars loaded with oats, nuts, and dried fruit—ideal for quick and satisfying snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup crisp rice cereal
03 - 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
04 - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, optional
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-Ins

10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
11 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and peanut butter. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm liquid mixture over dry ingredients. Mix well until all components are evenly coated.
05 - Allow mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips if using to prevent melting.
06 - Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or bottom of a measuring cup.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired. Press gently to adhere.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely set.
09 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No baking required—perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven
  • Customizable with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and add-ins
  • Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep time, plus chilling
  • Healthier and more affordable than store-bought granola bars
  • Perfect for meal prep—stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week
  • Great for picnics, hiking trips, lunch boxes, or post-workout snacks
02 -
  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture
  • Toast the nuts before adding them for a deeper, richer flavor
  • Let the warm nut butter mixture cool slightly before adding chocolate chips to prevent them from melting completely
  • Press the mixture very firmly into the pan—this is crucial for bars that hold together well
  • Store bars in the refrigerator to maintain their shape, especially in warm weather
  • Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go convenience
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for up to 3 months
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