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Easy No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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