Snack Time, Solved: Easy No-Bake Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 cups mix-ins (see ideas below)
- 1 cup creamy peanut or almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-In Ideas
- nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts
- seeds: pepitas, sunflower seeds, flax or chia seeds
- chocolate: mini chips or chopped dark chocolate
- dried fruit: cranberries, cherries, raisins, chopped apricots
- coconut: shredded or flaked
Method
Prepare the pan
- Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper so it hangs over the sides for easy lifting.
Combine dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add your mix-ins and stir to coat.
Combine wet ingredients
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Mix and press
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined — the mixture should feel thick and sticky. Transfer to the pan and press down firmly and evenly with a spoon or the bottom of a glass.
Chill and cut
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Lift out using the parchment and slice into 16 squares or bars.
Notes
Optional Toppings
- Drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before chilling
- Add a swirl of nut butter across the top
- Press dried fruit or coconut flakes onto the surface before setting
Helpful Tips
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Nut-free: Swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter and use seeds instead of nuts.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Storage: Keeps 1 week at room temp, 2 weeks refrigerated, or up to 3 months frozen.