No-Bake Granola Bars (Nut & Raisin, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Double Chocolate)
Prep Time
25 mins
Chill for
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 25 mins
My No-Bake Granola Bars recipe makes chewy, customizable snack bars with one easy base recipe and 3 and more flavors—better than store-bought.
Course:
Snack
Cuisine:
American
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
No-Bake Granola Bars Base Recipe
- 1 ½ cups (3 oz/85 g) oats (quick cooking or rolled oats)
- 1 cup (1 ½ oz/43 g) rice crispy cereal
- ¼ cup (2 oz/ 57 g) butter
- ¼ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) honey ( agave, rice or maple syrup)
- ½ cup (3 oz /85 g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
No-Bake Raisin Nut Granola bars
- ¼ cup (¾ oz/21 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup (1 ½ oz/43 g) raisins, chopped
- ⅓ cup (1½ oz/43 g) almonds, toasted and chopped
No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola bars
- ⅓ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) smooth peanut butter
- ⅓ cup (1½ oz/43 g) chopped peanuts
- 6 tablespoons jelly (strawberry, grape, raspberry)
No-Bake Double Chocolate Granola bars
- ¼ cup (1 oz/28 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (6 oz/170 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
No-Bake Granola Bars Base
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In a large bowl, mix together the oats and cereal.
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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)
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Into the caramel, whisk in the vanilla and salt.
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Pour the mixture over the oats and thoroughly stir using a rubber spatula. Mix the ingredients together until the oats are completely coated.
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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.
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These bars keep for up 2 weeks after they are made. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
No-Bake Nut & Raisin Granola bars
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
Watch the Recipe Video!
Recipe Notes
- Press the mixture down firmly: This is the secret to granola bars that hold together. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to pack the mixture tightly into the pan.
- Toast your nuts first: Toasted nuts add deeper flavor and extra crunch, making homemade bars taste even more bakery-worthy.
- Line your pan with parchment: Leave an overhang so you can lift the entire slab out before slicing for clean, even bars.
- Chill before cutting: Refrigerate until completely firm so the bars slice neatly instead of crumbling.
- Use a sharp knife: Wipe the blade clean between cuts for professional-looking edges, especially with the Double Chocolate bars.
- Customize the mix-ins: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots, or use your favorite nuts, seeds, or nut butters.
- Keep chocolate from melting: If adding chocolate chips, let the cooked syrup cool for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring them in if you want distinct chocolate chips instead of melted chocolate throughout.
- Make a double batch: These bars keep well for up to a week in an airtight container and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes.