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These No-Bake Honey Oat Granola Bars are soft, lightly sweet, and made with simple pantry staples. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts, healthy snacks, or lunchbox treats—no oven required. Naturally sweetened with honey and packed with hearty oats, these bars come together in minutes and set beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- ¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed
Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Tips & Variations
- Extra chewy bars: Press the mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Nut-free option: Replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- More protein: Stir in a tablespoon or two of hemp seeds or protein powder.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract.
- Storage: Keep bars refrigerated for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
No-Bake Honey Oat Granola Bars
Description
These no-bake honey oat granola bars are a delicious and nutritious treat, combining the natural sweetness of honey with the hearty goodness of oats, making them perfect for anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients for No-Bake Honey Oat Granola Bars
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
-
Gather the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and any seeds you are using. Stir them together until evenly mixed.Feel free to use your favorite nuts or even add in some dried fruits for extra flavor! -
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, nut butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture.If your nut butter is too stiff, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
Combine and Press
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir well with a spatula until everything is fully coated and clumps together.This is where the magic happens! Make sure every oat is coated for the best texture. -
Press into the Pan
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly with your hands or the back of a spatula to create an even layer.The firmer you press it down, the better your bars will hold together!
Chill and Cut
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Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.If you're in a rush, you can pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead! -
Cut into Bars
Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into bars or squares as desired.Using a sharp knife will give you clean edges. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Note
- For a chewier texture, use rolled oats instead of quick oats.
- Toast the oats and nuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before mixing.
- Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for different flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Incorporate mix-ins such as dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds to customize the bars.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together once set.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting to achieve clean edges.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer shelf life.
- For gluten-free options, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
granola bars, no-bake, healthy snacks, oats, honey