No-Bake Granola Energy Bars

Featured in: Snack Bang

These no-bake granola bars combine hearty oats, crisp rice cereal, mixed nuts, and dried fruit to create a chewy, wholesome snack. Bound together with honey and nut butter, they set quickly in the fridge without any baking. Add chocolate chips or seeds for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for outdoor activities or a quick energy boost, these bars are easy to prepare and customizable with various nut butters or spices.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:09:53 GMT
No-Bake Granola Energy Bars with nuts, dried fruit, and oats in a glass dish. Save
No-Bake Granola Energy Bars with nuts, dried fruit, and oats in a glass dish. | ticktaste.com

Chewy and packed with wholesome ingredients, these No-Bake Granola Energy Bars are your perfect on-the-go snack. Combining oats, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruit, they’re not only nutritious but effortlessly easy to make—no oven required. Ideal for picnics, hikes, or a quick mid-day boost, these bars satisfy your hunger while delighting your taste buds.

No-Bake Granola Energy Bars with nuts, dried fruit, and oats in a glass dish. Save
No-Bake Granola Energy Bars with nuts, dried fruit, and oats in a glass dish. | ticktaste.com

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With only simple pantry staples and a little fridge time, these bars come together quickly yet offer lasting energy and delightful texture contrasts. Whether you prefer the sweetness of honey or the earthiness of nut butters, this recipe lets you tailor the flavors just how you like.

Ingredients

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  • Dry Ingredients
    2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
    1 cup crisp rice cereal
    1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
    1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
    1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
    1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients
    1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
    1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Add-Ins
    1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
    1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan
Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, rice cereal, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and salt.
3. Melt wet ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter. Stir until melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine mixtures
Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add optional chocolate chips
If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes before stirring them in to prevent melting.
6. Press into pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
7. Add toppings
Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired, pressing them in gently.
8. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
9. Serve
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is essential to keep the bars together once chilled. For best results, cool the wet mixture slightly before adding chocolate chips, so they don’t melt throughout. Using parchment paper ensures easy removal without sticking or breaking.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make a nut-free version. Enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom. For vegan options, use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips, ensuring all ingredients align with dietary needs.

Serviervorschläge

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit and a cold glass of iced tea, making them a fantastic choice for outdoor picnics or lunchbox treats. Their chewy texture and balanced sweetness satisfy hunger without weighing you down.

Close-up of chewy granola bars packed with crunchy nuts and sweet dried cranberries. Save
Close-up of chewy granola bars packed with crunchy nuts and sweet dried cranberries. | ticktaste.com

Enjoy making these simple yet satisfying No-Bake Granola Energy Bars as your go-to snack for any occasion. With their wholesome ingredients and flexible variations, they’re sure to become a favorite whether you’re at home or on the trail.

Recipe Questions

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, replace nut butters with sunflower seed butter and omit mixed nuts for a nut-free version.

How do I store these bars to keep them fresh?

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.

What sweeteners can be used in these bars?

Honey or maple syrup work well as natural sweeteners and help bind the ingredients together.

Can I add extra flavors to the bars?

Absolutely. Try spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance flavor, or mix in chocolate chips or seeds for variety.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Using maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips makes these bars vegan-friendly.

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No-Bake Granola Energy Bars

Nutritious bars with oats, nuts, dried fruit, and honey, perfect for on-the-go energy boosts.

Setup time
15 min
Heat time
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Snack Bang

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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
06 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
02 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

01 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
02 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang the edges for easy removal after setting.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute all components evenly.

Phase 03

Prepare Binding Mixture: Place honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.

Phase 04

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the warm binding mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously until all components are evenly coated and no dry pockets remain.

Phase 05

Incorporate Optional Additions: Allow the mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then fold in chocolate chips if using. This prevents them from melting completely into the bars.

Phase 06

Press into Pan: Transfer the prepared mixture to the lined baking pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to create uniform density throughout.

Phase 07

Add Toppings: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on the surface if desired. Press gently to ensure they adhere to the mixture.

Phase 08

Chill: Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour until the mixture is completely set and firm to the touch.

Phase 09

Cut and Store: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block from the pan. Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

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Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula or flat-bottomed measuring cup
  • Sharp knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains peanuts or tree nuts from nut butter and mixed nuts
  • Contains gluten if oats or rice cereal are not certified gluten-free
  • Contains coconut if included in recipe
  • Contains soy and dairy if chocolate chips are not dairy-free

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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