These no-bake granola bars are a game-changer for anyone craving a quick, wholesome snack. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have chewy, crunchy bars packed with nutty richness, sweet raisins, or indulgent chocolate. Perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go energy, they’re a guilt-free treat that satisfies every craving.
Whether you’re into the classic combo of peanut butter and jelly or the decadence of double chocolate, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Soft oats, creamy nut butter, and chewy dried fruit come together in harmony, creating a snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the simplicity of homemade goodness!
Ingredients for No-Bake Granola Bars
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (3oz/85g) oats (quick cooking or rolled oats)
- 1 cup (1½oz/43g) rice crispy cereal
- ¼ cup (2oz/57g) butter
- ¼ cup (2½oz/71g) honey (or agave, rice, or maple syrup)
- ½ cup (3oz/85g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Nut & Raisin Variation:
- ¼ cup (¾oz/21g) shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup (1½oz/43g) raisins, chopped
- ⅓ cup (1½oz/43g) almonds, toasted and chopped
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Variation:
- ⅓ cup (2½oz/71g) peanut butter
- ⅓ cup (1½oz/43g) chopped peanuts
- 6 tablespoons jam (strawberry, grape, or raspberry)
- Double Chocolate Variation:
- ¼ cup (1oz/28g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 cup (6oz/170g) mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, mix together the oats and rice crispy cereal. Set aside.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium microwavable bowl, combine the butter, honey, and brown sugar. Microwave for 2 minutes (or heat in a saucepan on the stove). The mixture will bubble, so ensure the bowl is large enough to prevent overflow.
- Flavor the Caramel: Whisk the vanilla extract and salt into the caramel mixture until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the caramel over the oats and cereal. Use a rubber spatula to thoroughly mix until the oats are completely coated.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Nut & Raisin: Stir in shredded coconut, raisins, and toasted almonds.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: Mix peanut butter into the caramel first, then stir in chopped peanuts. Press half the mixture into a tray, spread jam evenly, and top with the remaining mixture.
- Double Chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into the caramel, then stir in chocolate chips.
- Press Firmly: Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined tray (9″x9″ or smaller for thicker bars). Press firmly to ensure the bars hold together.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
- Cut and Serve: Slice into bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or on the counter for up to a week.
Customize Your Granola Bars with Fun Variations
These no-bake granola bars are incredibly versatile! Swap out the mix-ins to create your own unique flavors. Try adding dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a festive twist, or mix in sunflower seeds and dried apricots for a chewy, nutty bar. For a tropical vibe, use shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These granola bars are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other snacks. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk for a quick breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping, or pack them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack. They’re also a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or hiking trips for a portable energy boost.
Keep Them Fresh: Storage Tips
To ensure your granola bars stay fresh and hold their shape, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a week in the fridge or on the counter. If you’re making a big batch, consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and freezing them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Prep your ingredients ahead of time by measuring out the oats, cereal, and mix-ins the night before. You can also toast the nuts in advance to save a step. If you’re making multiple batches, double the recipe and freeze half for later. These bars are perfect for meal prepping—spend 15 minutes now and enjoy snacks all week!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Bars
To make these granola bars, you’ll need a few key tools: a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a medium microwavable bowl (or saucepan) for the caramel, and a 9”x 9” baking tray lined with parchment paper. A rubber spatula is ideal for mixing, and a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup works great for pressing the mixture firmly into the tray. These tools ensure your bars hold together beautifully!
No-Bake Granola Bars (Nut & Raisin, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Double Chocolate)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats (quick cooking or rolled oats)
- 1 cup rice crispy cereal
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup honey ( agave, rice or maple syrup)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
No-Bake Raisin Nut Granola bars
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup raisins, chopped
- ⅓ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola bars
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup chopped peanuts
- 6 tablespoons Jam (strawberry, grape, raspberry)
No-Bake Double Chocolate Granola bars
- 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats and cereal.
- In a medium microwavable bowl add in butter, honey and brown sugar. Microwave this mixture for 2 minutes. It will bubble up so make sure your bowl is big enough so it doesn’t overflow. You can also do this step in a saucepan if you don’t have a microwave.
- Into the caramel, whisk in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the oats and thoroughly stir using a rubber spatula. Mix the ingredients together until the oats are completely coated.
- Add in your desired mix-in (look below). Then press very firmly into a small tray lined with parchment. (9″x 9” or smaller). If you like your bars thicker, you can use a smaller pan. If you do not press firmly enough, the bars will fall apart when you eat them. Place them in the fridge for 2-3 hours then cut to size.
- These bars keep for up to a week after they are made. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or on the counter.
- No-Bake Nut & Raisin Granola bars: Stir the nuts, coconuts and raisins into the granola mix coating them well in the caramel. Press into the tray firmly so the bars hold together.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola bars: Mix the peanut butter into the caramel when it comes out of the microwave. Stir the caramel and the toasted nuts into the dry ingredients. Press half of the granola bar mix into a tray. Spread on the jam and then press the reserved granola mix on top. Press into the tray firmly so the bars hold together.
- No-Bake Double Chocolate Granola bars: Mix the cocoa powder into the caramel mix. Stir into the oats and rice along with the chocolate chips. Press into the tray firmly so the bars hold together.
