Healthy Chewy No Bake Granola Bars Recipe: The only granola bar recipe you’ll need. Easy, tasty and fully customizable, these portable snacks make a nutritious breakfast or on-the-go treat—and a lovely homemade gift.
I made these granola bars as a homemade birthday gift for my mother-in-law. Because her birthday falls in December, I added pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. If you want a granola bar that’s genuinely healthy, simple to prepare and delicious, this is it. These bars are chewy, nutritious, easily adapted to your favorite ingredients, and they keep well—making them perfect for snacks, quick breakfasts or packed lunches. I liked them so much I made another batch right away.
I’m currently heavily pregnant with less than three weeks to go, so easy, nutrient-dense snacks have been especially welcome. These bars curb cravings and supply a satisfying mix of textures and flavors without relying on processed ingredients. Whether you’re pregnant or not, they make an ideal snack for adults and kids alike.
Once prepared, these bars are convenient to store. Without pomegranate seeds they will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month; if you add fresh seeds, plan on 10–14 days of storage. In my house they rarely last more than a couple of days!
If you need a last-minute homemade food gift, these granola bars are a thoughtful option for friends and family who prefer healthier treats. They’re also easy to personalize—swap nuts, seeds, fruits or sweeteners to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
How to Make Healthy Chewy No Bake Granola Bars
These bars are highly adaptable. Use your preferred combination of oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and sweetener. The version shown uses old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, goji berries, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds for a festive finish.
Start by toasting the oats, nuts and seeds briefly in a dry pan to deepen their flavor. Blend pitted dates with honey or maple syrup and liquid coconut oil until smooth—this sticky mixture binds the dry ingredients. Combine the toasted dry mix with the blended dates and sweetener, then fold in pomegranate seeds if using.
Line a 17 x 26 cm (6 x 10 inches) or similar baking pan with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Press firmly using the bottom of a glass so the bars hold together. Chill in the freezer for at least 40–60 minutes until firm, then transfer to the refrigerator if you prefer. Lift the parchment, trim the edges if desired, and cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife.
Wrap individually in parchment for gifting and tie with string for a pretty presentation.
Healthy Chewy No Bake Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 140 grams or 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 60 grams or ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 40 grams or ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
- 40 grams or ¼ cup chia seeds
- 40 grams or ⅓ cup goji berries
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 10 soft dates, pitted
- 4 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 3 tablespoons liquid coconut oil
- 50 grams or ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
-
Toast the rolled oats, roughly chopped walnuts and pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in chia seeds, goji berries and cinnamon.
-
Blend the pitted dates, honey or maple syrup and liquid coconut oil until smooth. Pour the blended mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in pomegranate seeds if using.
-
Line a 17 x 26 cm (6 x 10 in) baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly and press down firmly using the base of a glass so the mixture is compact. Chill in the freezer for 40–60 minutes until firm.
-
Remove from the pan using the parchment paper, trim the edges if desired, and cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife. Wrap individually for gifts or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love:
- The Best Shakshuka Recipe
- Muesli Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Idea
- Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Healthier Brioche French Toast
