Our no-bake granola bar recipe is a versatile, delicious snack that’s simple to make and easy to customize. These homemade bars are perfect for lunchboxes, post-workout fuel, or an on-the-go treat the whole family will enjoy.
Why Make No-Bake Energy Bars?
These no-bake granola bars are a favorite because they’re quick, require no oven, and use pantry ingredients you can swap to suit tastes or dietary needs.
- No baking required — no oven time and no heating up the kitchen.
- Made with simple pantry staples and fully customizable — change the dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate to create new flavors.
- Fast to prepare — most of the hands-on work takes under 15 minutes, plus chill time.
- Chill to set and they’re ready to slice and enjoy; they’re great for busy days and packable for lunches.
Tips for Making No-Bake Granola Bars
- A mix of butter, honey, and a nut butter (peanut, almond, or other) helps bind the bars. Adjust amounts slightly if you change the sticky binder.
- Swap peanut butter for any nut or seed butter if preferred or needed for allergies.
- Use your favorite combination of dried fruits and nuts — raisins, cranberries, dried apricots, pecans, and roasted peanuts all work well.
- Pack them for kids’ lunches or bring a few to the gym; they’re filling and provide quick energy.
Can you make these into energy balls instead of bars?
Yes. Scoop and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls using a small cookie scoop for uniform portions. Many prefer the energy-ball format — they’re convenient and travel well.
No-Bake Granola Bars w/ Peanut Butter
Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Chill Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 20 mins
Choose your preferred dried fruits and nuts. Good options include raisins, dried blueberries, cranberries, and apricots. For nuts, pecans and roasted peanuts are favorites.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (162 g) Quick Oats — or gluten-free oats
- 1 cup (150 g) Dried fruit, chopped if needed
- 1 cup (144 g) Chopped roasted nuts
- 1/2 cup (90 g) Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (113 g) Honey
- 3/4 cup (195 g) Peanut butter
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
Equipment
- 8″x8″ baking dish
- Cooking spray or foil
Instructions
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Line an 8″x8″ pan with foil and lightly butter the foil or spray with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine oats, dried fruit, chopped nuts, and chocolate. Set aside.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar, honey, and peanut butter, whisking until smooth.
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Pour the warm peanut-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
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Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, sprinkle lightly with salt, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
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Lift the set bars from the pan using the foil. Cut in half, then slice into bars of your preferred width.
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Nutrition Information per Serving
Calories: 406 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 46 g,
Protein: 9 g,
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g,
Protein: 9 g,
Fat: 22 g
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 406
Substitutions and Variations
- Try chopped cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or sesame seeds.
- Dried fruit options include raisins, cranberries, dried apricots, cherries, or prunes.
- Chocolate chips are optional — substitute mini candies or chopped chocolate if you prefer.
- Use any nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter.
- For nut-free bars, replace nut butter with extra honey and butter (adjust carefully to avoid excess sweetness).
How to Store Homemade Granola Bars or Energy Balls
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you won’t finish them within 3–4 days, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
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