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Healthy No-Bake Granola Bars: Easy After-School Snack

healthy no-bake granola bars - featured image

These healthy no-bake granola bars are chewy, a little bit sweet, and packed with oats and nut butter. They’re the perfect after-school snack that kids love and parents feel good about.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
  • Optional mix-ins: dried cranberries, unsweetened shredded coconut, chopped almonds or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and salt. Add any optional mix-ins and toss to distribute evenly.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil. Stir constantly until smooth, warm, and fully combined (about 2-3 minutes). Do not let it boil.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry oats and stir vigorously until all oats are completely coated.
  5. Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula (lightly greased with coconut oil) to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.
  8. Use the parchment paper sling to lift the block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbly bars. Chill for at least 2 hours for best results. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. For vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, healthy granola bars, after-school snack, peanut butter granola bars, easy snack recipe