Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of these Effortless No-Bake Granola Bars, which combine wholesome ingredients like oats, seeds, and nut butter, all topped with a luscious dark chocolate drizzle. Perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack, these granola bars are not only easy to make but are also incredibly satisfying and nutritious. With no baking required, they are an ideal choice for busy days or when you need a healthy treat on the go.
Why You'll Love This Dessert:
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and save time with these easy-to-assemble bars that are ready in a snap.
- Customizable: Easily substitute different nuts, seeds, or nut butters to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with fiber and healthy fats, these bars are both filling and nutritious, making them a perfect snack.
Perfect Occasion:
These granola bars are ideal for weekly meal prepping, after-school snacks, or as a healthy option for outdoor activities like hiking or picnicking. They're also great for health-focused gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Decoration Tips:
- Drizzle extra melted chocolate in a criss-cross pattern over the set bars for a more artistic finish.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt on the chocolate before it sets for a gourmet touch.
- Garnish with a few freeze-dried fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and color.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1.25 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 3 tbsp sunflower seeds
Topping:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Method:
- In a large bowl, combine the nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Mix in the rolled oats, ground almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into a lined loaf pan to ensure the bars will hold together once set.
- In a double boiler or microwave (using 30-second bursts), melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can omit it; however, the coconut oil helps make the chocolate topping softer and easier to cut through.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed granola mixture, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Place the loaf pan in the freezer for the chocolate to set, which should take about an hour.
- Once set, remove from the freezer and slice the mixture into bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Enjoy these no-bake granola bars as a delicious, convenient treat that’s perfect for any day of the week!