No Bake Granola Bars

Written by Bella Bucchiotti in collaboration with Dorset Cereals

You are going to love this easy recipe for no-bake granola bars. These bars are a lifesaver, perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. There is no baking required either. You just have to chill them for an hour or so until they set. Whether you’re on the go or just need a pick-me-up, these chewy, nutty, and delicious bars are sure to hit the spot. Say goodbye to store-bought granola bars and hello to homemade goodness!

Homemade no bake granola bars are great for any occasion, from breakfast or brunch to a post-workout, hiking or an after-school snack. They’re sweet, chewy and so tasty!

Why You’ll Love Them

Easy: This no bake recipe is really easy to follow and once you know how straightforward making your own bars can be you won’t want grocery store-bought granola bars again.
Delicious: Homemade granola bars offer a fresh flavor commercial ones just don’t. They’re soft and chewy so you won’t get crumbs all over the floor either.
Customizable: Feel free to add more ingredients or mix-ins to your granola bars if you wish or change what is already in there. You can make these slightly different each time to make them!

Granola Bar Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Granola: Any kind of granola works here, but I used Dorset Cereals Divine Maple Pecan and Nuts Granola and Grains. Dorset Cereals are great on their own, but also can be a part of favorite recipes.
Cranberries: These offer a chewy texture and add sweetness.
Maple syrup: I like maple syrup in my granola bars but if you’re more of a honey fan you can use that. Another option is to use half maple syrup and half brown sugar.
Avocado oil: Coconut oil would also work if that’s what you prefer to use.
Peanut butter: Take your pick from smooth or crunchy. Or use another kind of nut butter altogether.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla is always a great flavor in bars, cakes, and cookies. Use a different flavor extract if you prefer.
Chocolate bark: For the chocolate topping. Use any kind you want.
Pecans: These add crunch to the topping. Use walnuts if you prefer, or even pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts.

Choosing a Granola for Baking

When it comes to making delicious, top-quality granolas and muesli, the people at Dorset Cereals know their stuff. Not only are Dorset Cereals tasty on their own, but they can be a perfect addition to countless recipes.

Dorset muesli and granola products are ideal for those leading an active and healthy lifestyle. High in fibre, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly, Dorset products are perfect for those looking for a tasty, healthy snack, or looking to take their recipes to the next level.

How to Make No-Bake Granola Bars

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the recipe card

Prepare a cake pan: Use parchment paper to line an 8-inch cake pan.

Combine the ingredients for the bars: Mix the granola and cranberries, and then mix in the avocado oil and maple syrup, followed by the peanut butter.

Add the mixture to the cake pan: Transfer the mixture into the cake pan you prepared, using a fork to press it down evenly.

Make the topping: Melt the chocolate and avocado oil in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often, and then pour this over the bars.

The finishing touches: Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top and then freeze overnight or for at least an hour, before cutting into bars to serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using gluten-free granola.
Peanut-free variation: Sub almond butter for the peanut butter if anyone has a peanut intolerance.
Different fruit and nuts: The great thing about homemade granola bars is anything goes, so you might want to swap the dried cranberries for raisins or the pecans for your favourite kind of nuts.
Different add-ins: Optional no-bake granola bar add-ins include everything from white chocolate chips to mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, coconut flakes, old-fashioned oats, pumpkin seeds, or anything else you want to use in your chewy granola bars.

Serving Suggestions

Other brunch dishes: If you’re serving these for brunch you might also like to have egg bites or perhaps sheet pan eggs with them.
Snacks: Bring chocolate cherry trail mix, tropical fruit & nut mix, and a tasty jerky trail mix along with your no-bake bars when hiking, camping, or road-tripping.
Drinks: Granola bars pair with anything so perhaps enjoy them with some dalgona coffee, a pumpkin latte, or any of these easy lemonade recipes.

How to Store

Store: Keep these at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you’re taking a couple on a hike or day trip, you can wrap them in parchment paper and then put them in a snack-sized zip bag or reusable silicone bag. They should keep for weeks if refrigerated.
Freeze: They will keep for months frozen.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Top Tips

Watch the measurements: Although you don’t have to be super-precise with these granola bars, it’s best to measure out the granola accurately. Using too much means the bars will be crumbly and not using enough means they will be gooey.

Give them sufficient chilling time: It’s important to give these a minimum of one hour in the freezer to get them to set and hold together.

Have fun experimenting: You can use any kind of granola, any kind of chocolate, any dried fruit and nuts, to personalize your granola bars and make them unique!