Easy No-Bake Granola Bars

Here’s a simple, no-fuss homemade granola bar recipe. It’s soft, chewy, and easy to customize. No baking required unless you want a firmer bar!

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup crispy rice cereal (optional, but adds great texture)

• ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter

• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional for sweetness + binding)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup add-ins of your choice: chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, etc.

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving “handles” to lift later.

2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar (if using). Heat until smooth and just starting to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla + salt.

3. In a large bowl, combine oats and crispy rice cereal. Pour the warm mixture over the oats and stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Fold in chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or whatever you love. (If chips melt a little, it’s okay!)

5. Transfer the mixture to the pan. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press down hard. This step is key for bars that hold together.

6. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.

7. Lift from the pan and cut into bars or squares.

Flavor Ideas

• Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips + a drizzle of melted chocolate.

• Cranberry Almond: Add dried cranberries + sliced almonds.

• Peanut Butter Pretzel: Add crushed pretzels + mini chocolate chips.

• Tropical: Add chopped dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and cashews.

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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting with women about God’s goodness.