Chewy Granola Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat, packed with oats, cashews, honey, peanut butter, M&M’s, and chocolate chips. Way better than store-bought!
Chewy Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars never last long in my house—they’re gone the same day! My oldest came home from school excited about a granola bar with M&M’s he’d tried and asked why I wasn’t adding M&Ms to ours.
Challenge accepted. I made a simple recipe with plenty of M&M’s. The result? Two big thumbs up from the kids. They said these are the best yet—way better than store-bought!
Quick Tip
If you love dates, you’ll love these granola bars . Craving chocolate? Try these chocolate granola bars next!
Ingredients In Chewy Granola Bars
- Peanut Butter: Stick with creamy peanut butter for best results.
- Honey: Coat the measuring cup with cooking spray first so the honey slides right out.
- Coconut Oil: Measure while solid to get the right amount.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Skip quick or steel-cut oats—they don’t work the same here.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasting adds flavor but is totally optional.
- Cashews: Roasted and salted cashews give the best flavor.
- Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Swap with chopped chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts if you’d like.
Quick Tip
Only have raw cashews? Toast them first! Spread them on a lined sheet pan and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring once. Keep an eye on them—they should smell fragrant, not burnt.
Chewy Granola Bar Tips
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper with extra on the edges to lift the bars out. Foil works too, but parchment is best.
- Watch the Salt: If your nuts or peanut butter are salted, use less added salt. Adjust for your taste.
How to Keep Granola Bars From Falling Apart
- Measure Syrup Right: Use the full amount of honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Scrape it all into the pot—every bit is needed to hold the bars together.
- Chop Cashews Small: Big chunks make the bars fall apart.
- Press Firmly: Pack the mix tightly into the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down.
- Let Bars Cool: Don’t cut warm bars—they’ll fall apart. Wait until they’re fully set and firm.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes clean cuts. A dull knife can break the bars.
Variations
Change Things Up!
- Nuts: Use any chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, pecans, or peanuts.
- Chocolate Chips: Use mini dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Candy: Try Reese’s Pieces or Heath bits instead of M&M’s.
- No M&M’s: Skip them for less sugar—no other changes needed.
- Pan Size: Use a 9×9 pan for thinner bars or 8×8 for thicker bars.
- Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. Add more if the mix feels dry.
- Oil: Swap coconut oil with unsalted butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
Storage
Leftover Bars?
- Fridge: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a bag or container. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze bars on a tray for 1-2 hours. Once firm, wrap and store in a freezer bag or container for up to 6 months.
- Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
More Snack Recipes
- Blueberry Oatmeal Bars with dried blueberries
- Oatmeal Energy Balls with dark chocolate and coconut
- Peanut Butter Protein Shake with frozen banana
- Peanut Butter Granola with chocolate
- Monster Energy Balls with mini M&Ms
Chewy Granola Bars
Made with oats, cashews, honey, peanut butter, miniature M&M's, and chocolate chips, these no-bake Chewy Granola Bars are simple and delicious.
Equipment
- Baking pan 9 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil measured while solid
- 1/2 teaspoon salt see note 1
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup roasted and salted cashews
- 6 tablespoons mini chocolate chips divided
- 6 tablespoons mini M&M's divided
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium pot, combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat over medium, stirring until melted and smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool for 3 minutes. Stir in salt and vanilla.
- Coarsely chop cashews. Add them to the pot along with oats and shredded coconut. Stir until fully mixed. Let cool slightly for 15–25 minutes until just warm to the touch. Stir in 1/4 cup each of chocolate chips and M&M's.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press evenly and very firmly into the pan using the base of a measuring cup. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips and M&M's on top and press in gently. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 12 even bars.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: If using salted cashews or salted peanut butter, reduce the added salt. Add it gradually to taste.
Tips:
- Press Firmly: Pack the granola mixture tightly into the pan. The firmer you press, the better the bars will stick together.
- Use a Sharp Knife: Warm the knife under hot water, dry it, and cut for clean, easy slices.
- Troubleshooting: Too Wet: Let the mixture sit so the oats can absorb the liquid. If needed, add more oats, 2 tablespoons at a time. Too Dry: Add 1 tablespoon each of peanut butter and honey at a time until the mixture holds together.
Storage: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a container or bag in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 6 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are delicious! And so easy! I have already made 2 batches this week.
Yay! Glad to hear that!