Recipe: No Bake Vegan Granola Bars

Ridiculously simple homemade granola bars with just a handful of ingredients, all of which you can pronounce.

Granola bars are in our snack drawer on the regular. The kids vacillate between a few different kinds they like, but routinely grab them when we’re packing snacks, looking for breakfast on the go, or want a healthy nibble to stave off hunger until dinner time.

When I spied this recipe for no-bake, “five minute” granola bars in my recipe clippings, I pulled it to the top of the pile. Mix a few dry ingredients. Mix a few wet ingredients. Mix all the ingredients together. Put in a baking dish in the fridge for four hours. Eat.

Yes, it really IS that simple. Mix and set. No preservatives. No chemicals. Nothing unpronounceable or hard to find in this ingredient list.

Which is pretty much the way it should be.

These are perfect for the kids to throw into their beach bag as they head out for the day. Because they have protein in them, they’re a great fuel source as well. And I love that they are completely customizable. Now that you have the basic framework, you can mix and match ingredients to make your favorite. Swap out the raisins for craisins instead. Add some shredded coconut. Use maple syrup or honey instead of agave syrup.

Go crazy.

But make ’em. ‘Cause they’re awesome.

*I put “five minutes” in quotes because, although it is part of the official recipe name, I so don’t consider it a five minute recipe if it has to sit in the refrigerator for four hours.

Hungry for more grab-and-go healthy snack items?
These Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins are tasty little snacks and super simple to make.
Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins appear in our house at least two or three times a month, and don’t last long.
Easy Crispy Fruit and Nut Granola Bars from Sarah’s Cucina Bella is another great granola bar alternative.
And lastly, Joanne made these Pineapple Ginger Granola Bars for our foodie road trip a few years ago, good stuff.

Five Minute, No-Bake Vegan Granola Bars
Recipe courtesy of food52

Author Notes: This bar can be whatever you want it to be. Add different kinds of dried fruits, different nuts, or different nut butters. It’s all good. Mix, wrap, and enjoy! – Gena Hamshaw

Serves 10-12

Directions

2 1/2 cups rolled or quick oats
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cups peanut or almond butter
1/2 to 2/3 cup agave nectar or brown rice syrup (adjust based on how well things stick together)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt (adjust based on which nut butter you use)

Directions

Mix oats, pumpkin seeds, and raisins in a large bowl.

Whisk together nut butter, sweetener, and sea salt. Pour into oat mixture, and mix well, till everything is sticky and combined. If it’s too dry, add a bit more agave.

Press mixture into a shallow baking dish that you’ve lined with foil or saran wrap. Cover with more foil/saran, press well into the baking dish, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Cut into bar shapes, wrap, and keep refridgerated till ready to use. They will last two weeks in the fridge.