No-Bake Granola Bars
on Apr 30, 2023, Updated Aug 13, 2024
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Soft and chewy chocolate chip no-bake granola bars that are easy to make with just 6 simple ingredients.
You’ll love the soft and chewy texture, and even better, you’ll only need a few basic and inexpensive ingredients to make them.
These bars are perfect for dessert, energy on-the-go, or as a pre-workout snack. Additionally, they are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
For more nut-free snacks, you can also try Baked Cranberry Granola Bars, Nut-Free Energy Bars and Sunflower Seed Energy Balls. For bite-sized snacks without nuts or seeds, you can try these Carrot Cake Energy Balls or Cinnamon Energy Balls.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sunflower Seeds: Use raw sunflower seeds or substitute any nut such as almonds, cashews or walnuts. You could also do half sunflower seeds and half pumpkin seeds.
- Oats: Use rolled oats or quick oats.
- Tahini: Tahini is used for a nut-free option. Sunflower seed butter also works or you can use any nut butter.
- Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey are suitable substitutions.
- Raisins: Use any variety of raisins though if they’re very dry, you’ll need to soak them in hot water before use. You can substitute dates here.
- Chocolate Chips: Use any dairy-free chocolate chips such as Enjoy Life or Camino. You can also use chopped dark chocolate. You can omit the chocolate or substitute cacao nibs for a lower-sugar, healthier bar.
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
Add-Ins & Swaps
- You can swap up the raisins for other dried fruit like dates, dried cranberries, apricots or cherries. Just keep in mind if the fruit is quite dry, you’ll need to soak it first. If you’re unsure, soaking doesn’t hurt.
- For add-ins, try up to 1/2 cup shredded coconut or nuts.
- Cinnamon is an optional ingredient, add up to 1 tsp to taste. A pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg would also be yummy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend Raisins
First, add the raisins to the food processor and process them for a bit until they break down into a crumbly, sticky consistency.
If your raisins are overly dry, you can soak them in hot water for 15 minutes and then drain them before using them in this recipe.
Step 2: Blend Remaining Ingredients
Next, add all the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate chips and blend until it forms a thick, sticky dough. If the mixture is too crumbly to press together, add 1 tbsp warm water and mix again.
Then, add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times to mix them in.
Step 3: Press Bars
Line a 7-8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper so that it sticks out over the edges of the pan, and firmly press the dough into the pan.
Take a few minutes to really press the dough in, especially working it into the corners, to ensure a firm and solid bar.
Place the entire pan in the freezer for about an hour until firm.
Step 4: Slice Bars
Remove from the freezer, lift out the pan, slice into bars and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes. The bars are gluten-free as written though make sure you use gluten-free certified oats if cross-contamination is a concern.
Not necessarily but it does help to bind the bars and adds a additional sweetness. You can leave it out, reduce the amount to 1-2 tbsp or substitute agave syrup or honey.
If you omit it, blend the dough then add 1-2 tbsp water if the dough is too crumbly.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your raisins are soft and moist as they help to bind everything together. If they’re dry or you’re unsure, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes then drain well before use.
- Use a good-quality tahini for the best flavour and texture. Good tahini is smooth, drippy and not overly bitter.
- If the mixture is too crumbly after blending, add 1 tbsp maple syrup, tahini or water and blend again.
Storing
- Fridge: In an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: In an airtight container for freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Room Temperature: I recommend storing the fridge or freezer, however, they’re ok at room temp for a few days if needed ie. in a lunchbox, camping, hiking, road trips. Keep cool if possible.
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No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the raisins in a food processor and mix until they start to break down into a crumbly, sticky mixture.
- Add everything else, except the chocolate chips and mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough. If the mixture seems to dry or crumbly, add 1 tbsp of water or an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or tahini and blend again. Add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times to mix them in.
- Line a 7-8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or saran wrap so it sticks out over the edges of the pan. Press the dough into the pan until flat, spending a few minutes to firmly press it down and work it into the corners.
- Place in the fridge or freezer for about an hour to firm. This is not required but will help the bars firm and bind together.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out the pan. Slice into 10 bars.
I did not use tahini but the peanut putter I had (creamy jiffy) and these are amazing!! So simple to put together and they not only taste great but fill you up. My 2 year old loves them ans soon my 8 year old will too!
Awesome! They’re great with PB! So happy to hear you enjoyed them. Thanks for the message!
Do these need to be kept in the refrigerator until eaten or can they be packed in lunches?
These do best stored in the fridge but are fine packed in a lunch, the’ll just be a little soft. I’d recommend storing them in the freezer so they’re firmer when you pack them. They’re totally fine out of the fridge/freezer until lunch time, as long as they’re not sitting in the sun for hours!
Could you use dates instead of raisins?
Yep! Enjoy.
Also thank you for featuring a recipe without needing a pile of chopped dates! I used to always wonder, “Why can’t I just sub out for ANY dried fruit? Why do these kind of recipes always call for dates?” Thanks again
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them if you try the recipe!
These look so amazing! And a nice alternative to nuts. Reminds me of my some of my favorite granola bars!
https://audrasappetite.com/pb-choc-chip-no-bake-granola-bars/
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I think that you ought to write
more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t discuss these topics.
To the next! Kind regards!!
Thanks for sharing this great recipe! Its great to find a vegan snack that looks delicious and tasty too!
These look fabulous!!!! Shared on facebook for all our personal trainers !!
I’ve been looking for a homemade alternative for healthy granola bars that I can bring with me on long runs. I love all of these ingredients. Thanks for the recipe!
Oh, thank you for finally making a healthy wholesome bar recipe without nuts! Far too many times I click on a recipe and find out they’re absolutely full of nuts. While I like nuts…I’d rather have a bar without them. Or any dessert without them, really!