Packed with whole grains, protein, and natural sweeteners, these no-bake granola bars cost just a fraction of store-bought versions while delivering superior nutrition and flavor.
Each bar provides approximately 100-300 calories and 1-10 grams of protein, making them ideal for breakfast on-the-go or post-workout recovery. The best part? You can customize these bars to match your dietary needs – whether you’re gluten-free, nut-free, or looking to boost your protein intake.
Base Recipe
The foundation for all variations requires:
- 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup rice krispies
- ½ cup nut butter or seed butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and rice krispies with your chosen mix-ins from the recipe variation.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine nut butter, honey, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the warm mixture over your dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your lined pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or your hands. Tip: Slightly wet hands prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until completely firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 rectangles with a sharp knife.
1. Tropical Mango
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these bright and fruity bars. The chewy dried mango pairs perfectly with coconut, creating a vacation-worthy snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Add to the base recipe:
- ½ cup dried mango, chopped small
- ½ cup shredded coconut
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate
A classic combination that never fails to please. These bars taste like a healthier version of your favorite candy bar, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Add to the base recipe:
- ½ cup M&Ms
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter (use instead of base nut butter)
3. S’mores
Enjoy the taste of campfire s’mores any time of year without the mess. These bars capture all the essential flavors of the classic treat in a convenient, portable form.
Add to the base recipe:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
4. Cinnamon Raisin
Reminiscent of warm oatmeal raisin cookies, these bars make a perfect breakfast on-the-go. The cinnamon adds a cozy warmth while coconut provides subtle sweetness and texture.
Add to the base recipe:
- ¼ cup raisins
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup shredded coconut
5. Double Chocolate
For the chocolate lovers in your life, these decadent bars feature three forms of chocolate while still maintaining their wholesome granola bar status.
Add to the base recipe:
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
6. Blueberry Coconut
A refreshing combination that tastes like summer. The dried blueberries provide bursts of fruity flavor while coconut adds a pleasant chewiness and tropical note.
Add to the base recipe:
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- ½ cup shredded coconut
7. Pretzels & Chocolate
The perfect sweet and salty combo with a satisfying crunch. These bars are ideal for those who can’t decide between a sweet or savory snack.
Add to the base recipe:
- ¼ cup crushed pretzels
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup nut butter (use instead of base nut butter)
8. Cereal Mix
A clever way to use up leftover cereal while adding interesting textures. Each bite offers a different crunch, making these bars an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
Add to the base recipe:
- ¼ cup crumbled Spoon Size Shredded Wheat
- ¼ cup crumbled Bran Flakes
- ¼ cup Cheerios
9. Birthday Cake
Bring the party to your granola bars! These festive treats are perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up in your day.
Add to the base recipe:
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
10. Triple Seed
A protein-packed powerhouse that’s both nutritious and delicious. These bars are perfect for an energy boost before or after workouts.
Add to the base recipe:
- 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage:
- Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
- Best served chilled for optimal texture
Freezer Storage:
- Wrap individual bars in parchment paper
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag
- Store for up to 6 months
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight before eating
Room Temperature:
- Can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Note: Bars will be slightly softer but still delicious
- Ideal for lunchboxes or day trips
These 10 no-bake granola bar variations offer something for everyone, from indulgent chocolate lovers to health-conscious snackers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity – no oven required!
Whether you’re packing school lunches, fueling up for a workout, or just craving a wholesome snack, these bars are the perfect solution. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and make these recipes your own.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.