No Bake Granola Bars
These chewy, healthy, no bake granola bars have almond butter, shredded coconut, and almonds. They're quick and easy to make, and a perfect snack for when you're on the go.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup drippy unsalted almond butter or peanut butter (be sure to stir first and not use old near the bottom of the jar nut butter) , can sub with your favorite nut/seed butter - be sure to stir well before using
- 1/2 cup honey can substitute with coconut nectar, 2/3 cup date paste or brown rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil , optional but recommended since it helps the bars hold better together
- 2 cups oats I used gluten free half rolled and half quick but use what you have on hand
- *2/3 cup almonds chopped (see notes)
- 2 Tablespoons whole almonds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut can substitute with crispy rice cereal
- pinch salt and ground cinnamon , optional, but helps to balance the sweetness & boosts flavor
Add-Ins (optional):
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- chocolate chips
- dried fruit
- flax seeds
- chia seeds
- sesame seeds
- pumpkin seeds
Instructions
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Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large pot, melt almond butter, honey and coconut oil (if using) over medium-heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove the pot. (At this point, you can add vanilla, cinnamon and salt, if using).
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Fold in oats, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds. reserving the whole almonds for topping.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan while pressing down very firmly and flattening with a spatula until tight and compressed. Press the reserved whole almonds down into the bars, evenly spaced apart. Press in some chocolate chips or any other add-ins of your choice.
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Press down with spatula one more time so everything is nicely packed and compact. Place the pan in the freezer (or fridge) until hardened, about 1 hour. When the bars are set, use the parchment paper to lift them from the pan. Slice into even bars.
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Bars are softer when left out at room temperature. For best results, store bars in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Recipe Notes
*can also use 1/2 cup of almond flour or oat flour instead of the 2/3 cup of chopped almonds
Bars are best enjoyed cooled straight from the fridge or freezer. When warmed they don't hold together as well.