Healthy Snack No Bake Granola Bars

Name: Healthy Snack No Bake Granola Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.); 1 cup nut butter (peanut or almond); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Wellness Table Creations

I love making these Healthy Snack No Bake Granola Bars whenever I need a quick, nutritious treat. They’re not only delicious but packed with ingredients that provide sustained energy. The best part? They come together in just 15 minutes without ever needing to turn on the oven! Whether I’m craving something sweet or looking for an on-the-go snack, these bars have become a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you'll understand why they're my go-to choice for healthy snacking!

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:34:35.471Z

Every time I make these bars, I’m reminded of how simple and satisfying a healthy snack can be. Blending oats, nuts, and fruit together not only creates wonderful textures but also provides a wealth of nutrients. I’ve experimented with different combinations of sweeteners and nuts, and what I found is that using natural honey and a mix of almonds and walnuts gives the best flavor without overpowering the oats.

One tip I’ve learned is to tightly pack the mixture into the pan before chilling. This ensures the bars hold together well when you cut them, making them perfect for lunchboxes or a quick afternoon nibble. Trying out different add-ins like dried cranberries or dark chocolate chips can elevate the flavors even more!

Why You'll Love These Granola Bars
Made with wholesome ingredients that fuel your body
No baking required, just mix and chill!
Customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits
Perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack on-the-go

Choosing the Right Nuts and Dried Fruits

The beauty of these No Bake Granola Bars lies in their versatility, especially regarding the nuts and dried fruits you can use. Almonds and walnuts offer a great mix of healthy fats and protein, but you can also experiment with cashews or pecans for a different flavor profile. When it comes to dried fruits, I suggest using a mix of raisins, cranberries, and apricots for both taste and texture, which adds juicy bursts of sweetness and chewy bites throughout the bars.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out the nuts. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can provide a satisfying crunch without the risk of a nut allergy. Additionally, for those who prefer a lower sugar option, replace dried fruits with unsweetened coconut flakes or dark chocolate chips to enhance the bar’s flavor without excess sweetness.

Perfecting the Texture

One crucial step in achieving the perfect texture for your granola bars is ensuring that your nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) mixture is smooth and well-combined. This ensures that every bite of the bars is evenly sweet and creamy. If your nut butter is too thick, warming it slightly in the microwave (for about 10 seconds) can loosen it up, making it easier to mix with the sweetener.

When packing the granola mixture into the baking pan, use a piece of parchment paper or a silicone spatula to firmly press the mixture down. This prevents the bars from crumbling when cut. Aim for an even thickness of about 1 inch; if they are too thin, they may not hold together well, while too thick could lead to a chewy rather than crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your granola bars:

For the Granola Bars

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
1 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Adjust the quantities based on your preference for sweetness or nuttiness.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your granola bars:

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nuts, dried fruits, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.

Mix and Pack

Pour the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a lined baking pan and press down firmly to pack it tightly.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Once set, lift the granola mixture out of the pan and cut into bars.

Store the granola bars in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients—add chocolate chips for a treat or substitute the nut butter for sunflower seed butter to make it nut-free!

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These granola bars are perfect for meal prep! After cutting them into bars, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them an excellent on-the-go snack for busy weekdays. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing the bars. Just layer parchment paper between them and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

For an additional layer of flavor, try drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top after you've cut the bars. Let the chocolate set in the fridge and then slice again. This adds a delicious twist and gives you a treat that can compete with store-bought snacks without added preservatives or sugars.

Customization Ideas

One of the fun parts about making these granola bars is personalizing them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. You can add protein powder to the nut butter mixture for added nutrition, or mix in chia seeds for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re a fan of spices, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the oats for an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

For a tropical twist, consider incorporating tropical dried fruits like pineapple or mango, and complement these with shredded coconut. If nut allergies are a concern, substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter, providing the same creamy texture while ensuring everyone can enjoy the bars safely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

While you can use instant oats, rolled oats yield a better texture and structure for the bars.

→ How should I store the granola bars?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for optimal freshness.

→ Can I freeze these granola bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars! Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a vegan alternative to honey.