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Granola Bars

No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

These homemade no-bake granola bars are chewy, crunchy, and naturally sweetened with honey and peanut butter. Made with wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds, they make the perfect grab-and-go snack or quick breakfast. Fully customizable, fresh, and far better than store-bought!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter smooth and well-stirred (or swap for almond or cashew butter)
  • 1/2 cup honey acts as both sweetener and binder
Add-Ins
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats the hearty foundation
  • 1 cup sultanas (golden raisins) for chewy sweetness
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut adds subtle texture
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds lightly toasted for extra crunch
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for nutty balance and nutrition
  • 2 tbsp white sesame seeds add a delicate, toasty flavor
  • 1/8 tsp salt enhances sweetness and flavor depth
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon warm spice to tie it all together

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Add-Ins
    In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine oats, sultanas, coconut, almonds, pepitas, sesame seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute.
  2. Step 2: Make the Binding Syrup
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter and honey. Stir continuously until smooth and glossy. Once bubbles appear around the edges, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened like caramel.
  3. Step 3: Combine Everything
    Pour the hot syrup over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until evenly coated. If it stiffens too much, microwave for 20 seconds to loosen.
  4. Step 4: Press and Set
    Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking tin with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer you press, the chewier your bars will be.
  5. Step 5: Chill and Slice
    Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into 10 bars. Store chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For vegan bars, replace honey with maple syrup or brown rice syrup. Toast oats and nuts for extra crunch. To reduce sweetness, use half honey and half nut butter, then drizzle with dark chocolate. Press firmly for chewy texture or lightly for a softer bite.