Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

These easy no-bake granola bars are a delicious and quick snack that requires no oven time. Packed with cereal, oats, peanut butter, and chocolate, they’re perfect for busy days or an on-the-go treat.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini M&Ms, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for drizzle

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter and honey together for one minute until smooth and combined.
3. Step 3: Whisk the brown sugar into the warm peanut butter and honey mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Add the Rice Krispies, oats, mini M&Ms, and chocolate chips to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray your hands or the back of a measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray, then press the mixture firmly into the pan to create an even layer.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the pan for about 2 hours to allow the bars to set.
8. Step 8: Once set, slice into bars. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra mini M&Ms if desired for a decorative finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Add dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for extra chewiness and sweetness.
• To prevent sticking when pressing the mixture, lightly coat your hands or utensil with cooking spray.
• If preferred, omit the brown sugar to reduce sweetness; the bars will still bind well due to honey and peanut butter.

Storage

Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—wrap individually or layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or enjoy chilled. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I leave these granola bars on the counter instead of refrigerating?

It’s best to refrigerate the bars to ensure they set properly and maintain their shape. Leaving them out may cause them to become too soft or sticky, especially in warm conditions.

Can I make these bars without brown sugar or add dried fruit?

Yes, you can omit the brown sugar as it mainly adds sweetness and is not essential for binding. Adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins can enhance flavor and texture, just mix them in with the oats and cereals before pressing into the pan.

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

These easy no-bake granola bars are a delicious and quick treat featuring a mix of Rice Krispies, oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate candies. Perfect for busy days or a simple snack, they require no oven and set in the fridge for a chewy, crunchy texture with a chocolate drizzle and colorful M&M garnish.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute microwave heating
• Total Time: 2 hours 11 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup mini M&Ms, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, plus more for drizzle

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Heat Peanut Butter and Honey: In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the peanut butter and honey together for one minute until melted and combined.
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Whisk the light brown sugar into the warm peanut butter and honey mixture until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add Rice Krispies, oats, mini M&Ms, and mini chocolate chips to the bowl and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
5. Press into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray your hands or the back of a measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to form the bars.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to cut into bars.
7. Slice and Decorate: Remove the chilled slab from the pan using the parchment or foil. Slice into bars of desired size. Melt additional mini chocolate chips and drizzle over the bars. Sprinkle extra mini M&Ms on top if desired for garnish.

Notes

• Store bars in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness.
• You can omit the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet bar; it does not affect the binding.
• Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can be added for variety but may slightly alter texture and sweetness.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together after chilling.
• Use parchment or foil lining for easy removal and cleanup.

Keywords: no bake granola bars, peanut butter granola bars, easy snack, kid friendly, no bake snack, chocolate granola bars, homemade granola bars