No-Bake Granola Energy Bars (Printable)

Nutritious bars combining oats, nuts, and dried fruit without baking, perfect for quick snacks or outdoor treats.

# Required Ingredients:

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and peanut butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
05 - If using chocolate chips, allow the mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring them in to prevent melting.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
07 - Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired, gently pressing them into the surface.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the mixture is completely set and firm.
09 - Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No oven required—perfect for hot summer days or when you want a quick snack without turning on the stove
  • Completely customizable with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and add-ins
  • Wholesome ingredients you can feel good about, with no refined sugars or artificial additives
  • Make-ahead friendly and stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week
  • Budget-friendly and much more economical than store-bought energy bars
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan or nut-free diets
02 -
  • Toast the oats in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before mixing for deeper, nuttier flavor
  • Use a combination of sticky dried fruits like dates or figs along with firmer fruits like cranberries for better binding
  • If the mixture seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of honey or nut butter
  • Press the mixture very firmly into the pan—the more compact it is, the better the bars will hold together
  • For easier storage and grab-and-go convenience, wrap individual bars in parchment paper or plastic wrap
  • Freeze bars for up to 3 months; they can be eaten straight from the freezer for an extra-chewy texture
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