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Ultimate Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars for Quick Meal Prep

A close-up stack of chewy no bake granola bars featuring oats, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips on a white marble surface.
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Make these chewy, homemade no-bake granola bars in under 15 minutes of prep time. This recipe creates satisfying, portable energy bars that do not crumble, perfect for healthy lunchbox fillers or quick grab and go treats.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup mix-ins (like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts)
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or alternative nut/seed butter)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup puffed rice cereal (optional, for texture)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and your chosen mix-ins, including the puffed rice cereal if you are using it. Set aside a small amount of mix-ins for the top if desired.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to bubble slightly around the edges. Do not let it boil.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  5. Pour the warm binder mixture over the oat and mix-in combination in the large bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared 8×8 pan.
  7. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spatula or another piece of parchment paper. Pressing firmly is key to bars that do not fall apart.
  8. Sprinkle any reserved mix-ins over the top and press them in lightly.
  9. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are completely firm.
  10. Use the parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into 12 or 16 bars.
  11. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
  • To make these gluten free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
  • If the mixture seems too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons more honey or nut butter until it holds together when pressed.
  • These bars are excellent for freezer friendly snacks; wrap individually before freezing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/no-bake-granola-bars-easy-chewy-recipe/