These No Bake Nut Granola Bars are the perfect treat for when that afternoon slump hits! Made with shredded coconut, nuts, and almond butter, they're loaded with protein and tasty flavor. Oh, and did we mention there is no baking required? Try 'em out!
The simplest no bake granola bars
Who else is team "I need a snack to get me through from lunch to dinner?" I, for one, cannot get through my afternoons without one. That post-lunch, mid-afternoon 3 PM slump is a real struggle! I like to think it is because my brain is working so hard that I need more fuel to make it through, you know?
Often, I like to snack on granola bars. They're protein and nutrient-rich, and they come in such a large variety of flavor combos. But my favorites above all else are these easy, no bake nutty granola bars. I make them right at home, and they are divine!
I tried these for the first time a few weekends ago when I was home because like I've said before, my dad always loves when I make him snacks to take to work. These nutty granola bars are perfect for that because they're loaded with healthy fats to keep you full through the afternoon.
When I made them, we decided to have them for dessert that night too and we both went back for seconds. Slightly sweet, slightly salty, and totally delicious!
Ingredients in homemade granola bars with nuts
The ingredients in these granola bars bring together a delicious combination of salty and sweet. When we pair mixed nuts, coconut, almond butter, and honey, only delicious things can happen! This recipe doesn't use oats, either. Nope! No rolled oats or old-fashioned oats to see here. Instead, the base is made with mixed nuts. Here are all of the ingredients you'll need.
- Mixed nuts: First up, you will need 2 cups of mixed nuts. These form the "base" of the granola bars and can be made of any nut variety. I used almonds, pecans, and walnuts. They need to be finely chopped.
- Shredded coconut: Add sweet and earthy flavor with ½ cup of shredded coconut.
- Raisins: Next up, add some extra sweet flavor with ½ cup of raisins. You can use different dried fruit if preferred.
- Salt: Salt is a must! Use ¼ tsp. You can use regular or sea salt.
- Cinnamon: Then, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon..
- Almond butter: ½ cup of almond butter will help the ingredients bind together while also sneaking in extra protein.
- Honey: Sweeten things up naturally with ¼ cup of honey.
- Coconut oil: Then, include 2 teaspoon of melted coconut oil. This also works as an effective binding ingredient.
- Vanilla extract: Last but not least, finish off the mixture with 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Tools needed to make granola bars
To create this recipe, you will need a few kitchen tools including a large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, stirring utensil, parchment paper, loaf or brownie pan, and a spatula (or a tool to press the mixture into the pan).
The size of the pan you use will determine how thick the granola bars are. A loaf pan will create thicker bars, while a brownie pan will produce a thinner result.
For measuring, you will need the following sized cups: ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, 1 tsp, ¼ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup.
Step-by-step Instructions on how to make No Bake Nutty Granola Bars
How to make no bake nutty granola bars
Everyone loves a no bake recipe, especially when something sweet is involved. To make these granola bars, simply mix the ingredients, assemble, and refrigerate!
First, mix the nuts, coconut, raisins, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
Then, use a smaller mixing bowl to combine the almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until fully combined.
Press the mixture into a parchment paper lined loaf or brownie pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Once time is up, remove from the freezer and slice into desired sizes.
Substitution Tip
One of the great things about this granola bar recipe (apart from the flavor) is that the ingredients are super forgiving. There are a bunch of ways to mix and match ingredients to get your desired flavor. You just need a sticky substance to keep them together (I find that honey and nut butter work best). Use whatever nuts you have on hand, throw everything into one bowl, and then press the mix into a loaf or brownie pan. Done!
Shredded coconut
Not a fan of shredded coconut? That's a-okay, as it can be omitted and won't affect the recipe. Optionally swap with dried fruit or simply skip.
Raisins
Like the shredded coconut, raisins can be swapped with any other dried fruit, or you can leave them out.
Almond butter
Any nut butter will work in this recipe: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, you name it. You can even use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative!
Honey
When it comes to sweetening up this recipe, honey is a great option, but molasses or maple syrup will work too! All three options are natural and provide a healthier alternative to sugar.
Storing leftovers
To keep the nutty granola bars solid and prevent melting, keep them stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Use a freezer bag or airtight container to keep them nice and fresh.
If refrigerated, enjoy within about a week. If frozen, enjoy within 3 months.
Remember to let frozen bars thaw before eating! I find it easiest to move them to the refrigerator in batches as needed. That way, they will thaw but won't melt at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
What is a good binder for granola bars?
This recipe uses coconut oil and almond butter as binding agents.
Are granola bars healthy for weight loss?
This will depend on your specific body, habits, and goals! However, these granola bars are very high in protein, making them a good option for a filling snack.
What can I add to my granola bars?
If you'd like to add additional flavors to your granola bars, you have a ton of options! Try chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, chia seeds, dried fruit (like cranberries, cherries, blueberries or apricots) or even small candies like mini M&Ms!
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
- Easy Cherry Pie Recipe
- Healthy Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Healthy Lemon Olive Oil Cake
- Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe by Erin Antoniak and Photos by Bake and Bacon
No Bake Nutty Granola Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together nuts, coconut, raisins, salt and cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, mix together almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and stir still fully combined.
- Press into loaf pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
Erin N says
These homemade granola bars are incredible! I actually switched the raisins out for craisins and wow! Absolutely delicious and a great snack for me to have that comes with the benefits nuts provide. I also use local honey so I get a boost to help my allergies too. Do yourself a favor and make these!
Martha says
Did a mix of almonds, pecans, pepitas, sunflower seeds and cranberries. Delicious!
Erin says
Hi Martha, so glad you liked them!!
Cindy says
Hello,
These bars are delicious!!. One question the serving size says 12 bars, serves 12. The recipe shows how to yield 8 bars or yield 16 bars. What size should i cut them into to follow the nutrition values? Thanks
Erin says
Hi Cindy, so happy you like them and updated for the nutrition facts to be for 8 bars. Thanks for catching that! 🙂
Emily says
These are INFINITELY better than any chocolate bar (I'm talking to you, Snickers) or any other granola bar you can buy in a grocery store. My husband is now requesting these on a weekly basis. I make them with 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. 😘 Chefs kiss.
Erin says
Hi Emily, so happy they were a hit and great idea! 🙂
Valere A Myrick says
I love these SO much!! I'm going to make them all of the time! Instead of raisins, I added chopped dried apricots ~ I also added ground (in a blender) whole oats to the mixture..... thank you for sharing this healthy, delicious recipe! 🙂
Erin says
Hi Valere, so glad you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Kristina says
Coconut oil must be the jarred type and not liquid, correct?
Erin says
Hi Kristina, you just need 2 tsp of melted coconut oil!
Sydney Van Acker says
These were AMAZING. Didn't have any almond butter on hand so did half tahini and half peanut butter and it was SO tasty. loved them plain and also on top of a yogurt bowl. Thanks for sharing erin!!!
Erin says
Hi Sydney, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Charlotte says
What's the nutrition facts for No Bake Nutty Granola Bars?
Erin says
Hi Charlotte, they are listed at the bottom of the recipe card.
Caitlin says
My kiddo doesn’t like coconut, but I like the idea of the texture- do you think I can sub in rolled oats for the coconut or will that dry the bars out too much?
Erin says
Hi Caitlin, you can just omit the coconut!
Lauren says
These are amazing! My husband loves to take them to work and finds them very filling. A nice substitute from box granola bars loaded with ingredients.
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so glad you both loved them!
Hannah says
Just made these and they are incredible! I look forward to having a snack during the day now because of these delicious bars
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you loved them! 🙂
Gilly says
Made these tonight and my super picky 8 year old asked for seconds. These are delish!
Erin says
Hi Gilly, so happy you both enjoyed them!!
Alyssa says
Hi! Any recommendations for a substitute for the coconut oil? I want to make these ASAP but don’t have coconut oil in the house. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, you could use another oil like grapeseed oil or sunflower oil. Let me know how they come out!
Diane says
Love love thank you will try more of your recipes
Erin says
Hi Diane, so happy you loved the bars!!
Loni says
I am absolutely obsessed with these!!!!!
Erin says
Hi Loni, so glad you liked them!
Rachel S says
The granola bars are so delicious and easy to make! These are a staple around our house now. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Rachel, I am thrilled you loved them!!
Amanda says
Hi there --- do you have the Nutrition Facts for these bars?
Erin says
Hi Amanda, I am working on updating all my recipes soon. Until then, you can use an online calculator.
Caroline says
This recipe is fantastic!! I love how versatile it is (you can use whatever nuts you have in hand), and I subbed dark chocolate chunks in for raisins to make a more indulgent snack. Never found a recipe of yours I didn’t love!?
Erin says
Thank you!! So glad you liked it 🙂 Those mix-ins sound delicious!
Hilary says
YES! SO GOOD! I used 1/2 PB 1/2 AB and also subbed a couple tablespoons of the honey for maple syrup. I used almonds, walnuts, pecans, & cashews. It’s all I can do not to eat the whole batch!
I’ve made several of your recipes over the past year since discovering you, Erin. Not a single one has disappointed. Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes for all to enjoy❤️
Erin says
Hilary! Day made!! Thank you so much!! Love the idea of multiple nuts!!