No Bake Granola Bars

If your kids go through granola bars like mine do, you know it can get expensive fast. Many store-bought bars have ingredients you'd rather skip. These No Bake Granola Bars are one of our favorite easy snacks because they’re simple to make, don’t require an oven, and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.

They’re a great way to prep ahead for busy weeks, and easy for kids to help with. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or just want a homemade snack, this recipe is one you will make again and again.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love No Bake Granola Bar Recipe
• No Bake Snacks
• Ingredients for Homemade Granola Snack Bars
• Kitchen Tools for Rice Krispie Granola Bars
• How To Make No Bake Granola Bars with Rice Krispies
• What Mix-Ins Can You Add To Granola Bars?
• Easy Bar Recipes
• Tips for No-Bake Granola Bars
• FAQs for Granola Bars for Kids
• Better for You Snacks
• 📖 Recipe

Looking for a different way to use granola? Try this yummy Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.

Why You'll Love No Bake Granola Bar Recipe

• No oven needed: Great for warm weather or when you want to keep things quick and simple.
• Kid-friendly recipe: Easy enough for kids to help with, and fun to customize.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
• Totally customizable: Swap in your favorite mix-ins to fit preferences or allergies.
• Perfect for lunchboxes: A make-ahead snack that holds up well when transported.

No Bake Snacks

No bake snacks are a lifesaver for busy moms. They’re quick to throw together, require no special equipment, and don’t heat up the kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead for the week so snack time is one less thing to worry about. Here are some we love:

• No Bake Energy Bites
• Rice Krispie Treat Pops
• Peanut Butter No Bake Protein Bars
• Frozen Chocolate Snowballs

Ingredients for Homemade Granola Snack Bars

• Peanut butter chips – Adds texture and more peanut butter flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter – Helps bind everything together and adds rich flavor.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and works with the peanut butter to hold the bars together.
• Vanilla – Gives the bars a warm flavor.
• Quick oats – The base of the bars, which gives them texture. Also adds fiber to this recipe.
• Rice Krispies cereal – Adds crunch and lightness.
• Mini M&M's – Fun and colorful, adds a sweet, chocolatey touch that kids love.

Kitchen Tools for Rice Krispie Granola Bars

To make these bars, you’ll need a large mixing bowl and a spatula to combine the ingredients. A microwave-safe bowl helps melt the peanut butter and honey mixture. You’ll also want a baking dish to press the bars into and some foil or parchment paper to make removal and cleanup easier.

Ceramic Handy Gourmet Cool Touch Microwave BowlReynolds Kitchens Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets, 10.7x13.6 Inches, 30 CountDOWAN 8x8 Baking dish, Square Baking Pan, Ceramic Casserole DishesReynolds Kitchens Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets, 10.7x13.6 Inches, 30 Count

 

How To Make No Bake Granola Bars with Rice Krispies

1. Prep your pan: Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together oats and Rice Krispies.

3. Melt the sticky stuff: Combine peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
4. Add vanilla: Stir it into the warm peanut butter mixture.

5. Combine everything: Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully coated.

5. Add the fun stuff: Stir in M&M’s, peanut butter chips, or any mix-ins you like.
6. Press and chill: Press mixture firmly into the lined pan and top with extra mix-ins if desired. Chill for 3–4 hours until set.

7. Slice and serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!

What Mix-Ins Can You Add To Granola Bars?

• Raisins
• Cinnamon
• Craisins
• Butterscotch chips
• Chopped dehydrated apples
• Butterfinger pieces
• Toffee pieces
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Pretzel pieces
• Trail mix
• Dried fruit
• Sunflower seeds
• Flax seeds
• Shredded coconut

Easy Bar Recipes

Before you go, here are a few more easy granola bar recipes. These are great if you like to keep a variety of snacks on hand or want new ideas for lunchboxes. Each is simple, family-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have.

• Granola Bars Recipes
• Homemade Bars Recipes
• Oat and Honey Granola Bar Recipe
• Blueberry Breakfast Bars
• Easy Granola Snack Bars
• Cranberry Chocolate Granola Bars

Tips for No-Bake Granola Bars

Tip 1: Use parchment or foil to line your pan for easy cleanup.

Tip 2: Press the mixture down firmly in the pan to help the bars hold their shape.

Tip 3: Let the bars chill fully before slicing to keep them from falling apart.

FAQs for Granola Bars for Kids

If you want an easy snack you can feel good giving your family, these No Bake Granola Bars are a great option. No baking is required, and there are tons of ways to make them your own. Great for snacks, school lunches, or anytime you need a quick treat.

Better for You Snacks

📖 Recipe