Go Back

No Bake Granola Bars

These no bake granola bars are a simple, mindful treat made by mixing oats, nuts, dried fruit, honey, and coconut oil. Pressed into a pan and chilled until firm, they develop a chewy, crunchy texture with a fragrant aroma. The process emphasizes tactile and meditative moments, transforming quick ingredients into a calming self-care ritual.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homemade
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups rolled oats old-fashioned preferred
  • 1 cup chopped nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit cranberries, apricots, or cherries

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Sturdy spatula
  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil over low heat until it just starts to shimmer and smell lightly tropical.
  3. Add honey to the melted coconut oil and stir gently until the mixture is warm, fragrant, and well combined—about 2 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt if desired.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the warm honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together until the oats and nuts are coated and sticky.
  7. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula or your fingers to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a compact layer.
  8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the mixture is firm.
  9. Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife.
  10. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

Press firmly when shaping the bars to ensure they hold together. Let the bars chill thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. Feel free to swap ingredients like nuts and dried fruits to customize your flavor.