No Bake Granola Bars

<p>This easy nobake granola bar recipe is perfect when you need a quick, wholesome snack or a satisfying breakfast on the go. Made from simple pantry staples and requiring no oven time, these bars come together quickly and are set with a chill in the fridge. Chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough, they are a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults. You can customize each batch to your taste, making them a reliable go to for busy mornings or a midafternoon energy boost.</p> <p>I first made these when scrambling to pack snacks for a weekend hike and now they are my family’s favorite to grab before school or activities</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Granola:</strong> Use a quality granola like Dorset Cereals Divine Maple Pecan and Nuts for great flavor and texture</li><li><strong>Dried cranberries:</strong> These add a nice chew and subtle sweetness balancing the nuts and chocolate</li><li><strong>Maple syrup:</strong> A natural sweetener that holds everything together and adds depth honey can work too</li><li><strong>Avocado oil:</strong> Keeps the mix pliable and brings a neutral taste coconut oil is a fine alternative if you prefer</li><li><strong>Peanut butter:</strong> Smooth or crunchy, it adds creaminess and holds the bars firmly feel free to substitute with any nut butter</li><li><strong>Vanilla extract:</strong> Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully you can substitute with almond extract if you like</li><li><strong>Chocolate bark:</strong> For a decadent chocolate topping choose your favorite kind from dark to milk</li><li><strong>Pecans:</strong> Provide a crunchy finish on top walnuts or almonds also work well</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> Choose good quality ingredients for best flavor and texture Freshness of nuts and granola is key</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Prepare the pan:</strong></dt><dd>Line an 8inch cake pan with parchment paper This prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the bars once set Press the parchment firmly into corners for a neat fit</dd><dt><strong>Combine the bar ingredients:</strong></dt><dd>In a large bowl, mix the granola and dried cranberries thoroughly Add the avocado oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter to the dry mix Stir well using a sturdy spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated and sticky The peanut butter and syrup act as binders that keep the bars together</dd><dt><strong>Press the mixture into the pan:</strong></dt><dd>Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan Using a fork or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact base Getting it tight here helps the bars hold their shape later</dd><dt><strong>Make and add the topping:</strong></dt><dd>Gently melt the chocolate bark with a little avocado oil in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning Once smooth, pour the chocolate evenly over the pressed granola mixture</dd><dt><strong>Add nuts to finish:</strong></dt><dd>Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the melted chocolate The nuts give great texture contrast and a pretty finish</dd><dt><strong>Chill and set:</strong></dt><dd>Place the pan in the freezer for at least one hour or overnight to allow the bars to set firmly Once chilled well, lift the parchment paper to remove the whole slab Cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife</dd></dl>

<p>One of my favorite things about these bars is how the chewy dried cranberries combine with crunchy pecans and silky chocolate. Making these at home gave me a chance to experiment with flavors and textures. Now they are a family favorite snack for hiking trips and afterschool treats.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge if you prefer them firmer Wrapping each bar individually in parchment paper helps them stay fresh when packed for school or outings For longterm storage, freeze the bars in a sealed container or freezer bag and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>You can create peanutfree bars by swapping peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter If gluten is a concern, choose a certified glutenfree granola to keep these bars safe to eat Try other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for variation on flavor and texture Experiment with seeds like pumpkin or chia for extra nutrition and crunch</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Serve these bars alongside fresh fruit and a glass of milk or a warm latte for a balanced breakfast For an energy boost on the trail, pack with a homemade trail mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit They make a great addition to a brunch spread when paired with egg bites or yogurt parfaits</p>

<p>Enjoy these bars as an easy snack or breakfast. They store well and are endlessly adaptable.</p>

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I use different cereals for the bars?

Yes, any cereal or granola blend works. Choose your favorite to customize flavor and texture.

→ What role does avocado oil play?

Avocado oil binds ingredients and adds moisture while keeping the bars soft. Coconut oil is a good alternative.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness. Freezing extends shelf life for months.

→ Can I substitute peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or other nut butters work well for different flavor and allergy needs.

→ What are some serving ideas?

Enjoy bars with coffee or tea, crumble over yogurt, or pair with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.