No Bake Nut Granola Bars

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 1/2 cup of shredded coconut.
• Raisins: Next up, add some extra sweet flavor with 1/2 cup of raisins. You can use different dried fruit if preferred.
• Salt: Salt is a must! Use 1/4 tsp. You can use regular or sea salt.
• Cinnamon: Then, add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon..
• Almond butter: 1/2 cup of almond butter will help the ingredients bind together while also sneaking in extra protein.
• Honey: Sweeten things up naturally with 1/4 cup of honey.
• Coconut oil: Then, include 2 tsp of melted coconut oil. This also works as an effective binding ingredient.
• Vanilla extract: Last but not least, finish off the mixture with 1 tsp 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: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 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.

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.

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.

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