Name: Homemade No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup nut butter (creamy peanut butter or almond butter); 1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup as a substitute); 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (almonds or walnuts); 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins); 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate recommended); 1 pinch sea salt; 1 drizzle extra nut butter (for topping)

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Introduction

These homemade no-bake granola bars are a simple, wholesome snack perfect for busy days. Packed with oats, nut butter, and your favorite mix-ins, they offer great texture and natural sweetness without any baking required.

There are three square nut and oat bars stacked on top of each other on a white plate with a light brown edge. Each bar shows an inside layer of caramel-colored goo mixed with pieces of tan nuts and light brown oats. On the top layer, whole darker brown nuts are visible, making a rough texture. The bars have a shiny, sticky look with bits of oats and nuts sticking out on the sides. The background is blurred with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup nut butter (creamy peanut butter or almond butter)
1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate recommended)
1 pinch sea salt
Extra nut butter for drizzling on top (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey. Mix well until everything is evenly blended.
Step 2: Gently fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Press the granola mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it’s evenly spread and compacted.
Step 4: Drizzle extra nut butter over the top if desired, for added richness.
Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set and firm up.
Step 6: Remove the solidified granola slab from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into bars or squares as preferred.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the nuts.
Try adding seeds like chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds for extra nutrition and crunch.
Use maple syrup instead of honey or agave for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer firmer bars, freeze them for 15 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.

Storage

Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for about two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.

How to Serve

Three thick granola bars are stacked on a round white plate with a brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar is made up of a dense, chewy-looking base filled with oatmeal, large chunks of light-colored nuts, and whole darker nuts scattered on top. The texture appears sticky and glossy, with the oats and nuts held together in a caramel-brown matrix. The bars have clean, straight edges, and the top bar shows the nuts clearly embedded in the sweet base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of nut butter?

Yes, peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or any creamy nut butter you prefer will work well in this recipe.

Are these granola bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, making them a great snack option for children.