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Homemade oat granola bars sliced on parchment paper
Isaac blogger

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars

Soft, chewy homemade granola bars made with oats, nut butter, and natural sweetener. A quick, healthy snack perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, and busy mornings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Snack / Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup nut butter
  • ⅓ cup honey, maple syrup, or agave
  • ½ cup mix-ins (seeds, dried fruit, coconut, or chocolate chips)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your equipment and ingredients as needed. Results may vary depending on your tools and ingredient temperatures.
  3. Prep Pan
  4. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients
  6. Add oats and mix-ins to a bowl and stir until evenly distributed.
  7. Warm Wet Ingredients
  8. Heat nut butter and sweetener over low heat until smooth. Do not boil. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  9. Combine Mixture
  10. Pour warm mixture over oats and stir until oats look glossy and fully coated with no dry patches.
  11. Press Firmly
  12. Press mixture very firmly into pan until surface looks compact and level.
  13. Chill
  14. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.
  15. Visual cue: bars should feel firm and hold shape when pressed.
  16. Slice
  17. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when sliced.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting.
  • Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture and structure.
  • Store bars covered; refrigerate if the room temperature is warm.
  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 7 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks refrigerated.