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No-Bake Granola Bars

These no-bake granola bars are a nostalgic treat, made by mixing oats, honey, and nut butter into a sticky, flavorful mixture that’s pressed into a pan and chilled until firm. The final bars have a chewy, crunchy texture with customizable add-ins like dried fruit and nuts, making them perfect for quick snacks and busy mornings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup honey warmed slightly
  • 1/2 cup nut butter almond, peanut, or cashew
  • 3 cups rolled oats or quick oats for softer bars
  • 1 cup chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit chopped dried apricots or cranberries

Equipment

  • 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In the small saucepan, combine honey and nut butter. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and slightly runny—about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in the large mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix them together until evenly distributed, creating a colorful, textured dry mixture.
  4. Pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together, ensuring each oat and nut is coated in the sticky mixture. It should be thick, glossy, and sticky to the touch.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Press down firmly with the back of the spatula or your damp hands to create an even, compact layer—this helps the bars hold together.
  6. Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for quicker firming. You’ll notice the mixture becomes more solid and easier to cut as it cools.
  7. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the block of mixture out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 8-10 bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between slices for clean edges.
  8. Enjoy your homemade bars immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap individually for on-the-go snacking or packing in lunchboxes.

Notes

Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of coconut. For a softer texture, use quick oats. For extra crunch, toast your nuts before mixing.