No-Bake Energy Bars

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

These no-bake energy bars combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, and optional chia seeds for a nutritious, easy-to-make snack. Natural peanut or almond butter warmed with honey or maple syrup binds the ingredients, resulting in a smooth, flavorful mixture. After pressing into a pan, chilling allows the bars to firm up. Perfect for quick energy, they are vegetarian, gluten-free with the right oats, and customizable with different nuts or sweeteners.

Updated on Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:33:18 GMT
No-Bake Energy Bars: a close-up of hearty bars studded with nuts and dried fruit, ready to fuel your day. Save
No-Bake Energy Bars: a close-up of hearty bars studded with nuts and dried fruit, ready to fuel your day. | milestonepan.com

No-Bake Energy Bars are an effortless way to enjoy a wholesome, homemade snack packed with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. Whether you need a quick boost before a workout or a satisfying nibble during a busy day, these bars require no baking and minimal prep time. Their wholesome ingredients combine to fuel your body with lasting energy — perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.

No-Bake Energy Bars: a close-up of hearty bars studded with nuts and dried fruit, ready to fuel your day. Save
No-Bake Energy Bars: a close-up of hearty bars studded with nuts and dried fruit, ready to fuel your day. | milestonepan.com

This recipe brings together the natural goodness of oats and nuts with the chewy sweetness of dried fruits and the smooth texture of nut butter. The gentle warming of the wet ingredients helps bind everything perfectly, creating bars that hold together firmly once chilled. The pinch of salt and vanilla extract enhance the flavor, making these snacks a delightful treat any time.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients
    • 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
    • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
    • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
  • Wet Ingredients
    • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
    • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and chia seeds (if using). Mix well.
3. Warm wet ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and pourable. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Combine mixtures
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press into pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even, compact layer.
6. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
7. Cut and store
Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make removal easier, ensure the parchment paper has enough overhang on all sides to lift the bars out cleanly. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to help the bars hold together well once chilled. If you’re adding chia seeds, allow your mixture a few extra minutes to thicken slightly before transferring to the pan.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to create nut-free bars. Add mini chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence or switch up the dried fruit to tailor flavors to your liking. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup to keep the bars plant-based.

Serviervorschläge

Enjoy these bars chilled straight from the fridge as a quick snack, or pack them in your lunchbox for a healthy afternoon boost. They pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit or a cup of tea for a satisfying break during the day.

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With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal effort, these No-Bake Energy Bars offer a reliable source of fuel for your active days. Their simplicity, versatility, and nutritious profile make them a go-to recipe for anyone craving a healthy homemade snack on the fly.

Recipe FAQs

Can these bars be made nut-free?

Yes, swapping peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omitting nuts makes them nut-free.

How long do these bars last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to one week.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

They can be vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup.

Can I add other flavor variations?

Yes, adding mini chocolate chips or changing dried fruit types offers tasty variations.

Why is chilling necessary?

Chilling allows the mixture to firm up for easy cutting and handling.

No-Bake Energy Bars

Wholesome bars with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners, ready without baking.

Prep Time
15 min
0
Time Needed
15 min
Created by Caleb Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Servings Yielded 12 Number of Servings

Special Diets Meatless, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
02 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
03 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
04 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
05 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
02 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 Pinch of salt

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and chia seeds if using until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Warm Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm peanut or almond butter with honey or maple syrup until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Step 04

Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 05

Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly with a spatula or hands to form an even, compact layer.

Step 06

Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until mixture is firm and set.

Step 07

Slice and Store: Lift the set mixture from pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Allergen Details

Review each ingredient for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains nuts and peanuts if using peanut butter or nuts.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals.
  • Gluten-free only if certified gluten-free oats are used.

Nutrition (per serving)

For informational use only. Always consult with a health professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 185
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g