These healthy no-bake snack bars are a delicious treat made with wholesome ingredients. The perfect afternoon snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free!
No bake snack bars are a staple in our meal prep routine, along with 7 no bake energy bites, and these perfect homemade granola bars!
We love having meal prep snacks on hand, especially when that 3:00 pm afternoon slump hits! These no bake snack bars are the perfect solution for your afternoon snack cravings, and they are so easy to meal prep.
Similar to energy bites (but no rolling necessary), these no bake snack bars are made with peanut butter, chia seeds, rolled oats, flaxseed, and rice crispies for a satisfying crunch.
reasons you'll love this recipe
- they are the most delicious chewy and crunchy sweet treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- you can mix them up in one bowl in just 15 minutes
- they are filled with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened with maple syrup
recipe video
Want to see how easy these bars are to prepare? Watch the video below for proof...they are just so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
ingredient notes
- rolled oats - do not use quick oats as they become chalky in this recipe
- Rice Krispies - brown rice cereal may work but has not been tested
- ground flaxseed and chia seeds- for some extra protein and omega 3 fatty acids
- natural nut butter- peanut and almond butters have been tested. Stay away from processed nut butters as they will not set up properly and are overly sweet. You can use any natural nut butter (look for ones which just contain nuts and maybe salt).
- coconut oil - we prefer a refined coconut oil as it does not have a strong coconut flavor
- maple syrup - make sure to use the real stuff and not table syrup! Can be swapped for equal parts honey.
- cinnamon - for a boost of flavor, cinnamon compliments the sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly!
step by step instructions
Melt
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Melt coconut oil in a large bowl.
Combine
Stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the oats, Rice Krispies, flax, and chocolate chips.
Press into baking pan
Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment. Press the mixture into the pan until smooth across the top.
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then cut into bars and portion out for the week.
Tip - Let your bars set up for at least 2 hours before cutting into them. Overnight is even better.
FAQ
Sure! Some readers have reported back that dried cranberries made a delicious swap for chocolate chips. Other swaps that could work include slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, or shredded coconut.
To make these bars gluten-free, be sure toย use certified gluten-free rolled oats and Rice Krispies.
You might be able to swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, but we haven't tested it! If you do try it, could you let us know in the comments how they turn out?
storage
- Fridge - Store in a sealed meal prep container, seperating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze - Wrap bars individually in parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking/ freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
No Bake Snack Bars
Ingredients
- ยผ cup coconut oil 55 g; refined coconut oil recommended
- โ cup peanut butter 158 g; all natural; * see note 1
- ยฝ cup maple syrup 154 g; honey also works
- ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats 90 g; not quick oats
- 1 cup Rice Krispies 28 g; *see note 2
- ยฝ cup ground flaxseed 46 g
- ยฝ cup chocolate chips 78 g
- ยผ cup chia seeds 32 g
Instructions
- Melt - the coconut oil in a large bowl.
- Combine - Stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the oats, Rice Krispies, flax and chocolate chips.
- Press - Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment. Press the mixture into the pan until smooth across the top.
- Chill- refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then cut into bars and portion out for the week.
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Tips:
- all-natural peanut or almond butter may be used in this recipe. DO NOT use processed nut butter such as Jif or Kraft as the bars do not solidify and are sticky and soft.
- use certified gluten-free rolled oats and Rice Krispies to make this a gluten-free treat
- Fridge - Store in a sealed meal prep container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze - Wrap bars individually in parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking/ freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Video
Nutrition Information
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Hope Vis says
LOVE these! they are so easy to make and taste so good.
I was looking for something to satisfy my late night sweet craving and these do it perfectly.
I also added in a 1/2 scoop of powder for extra protein and probiotics!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Hope, we are so glad to hear that you enjoyed these bars for a late night snack! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review.
Kate says
So easy to make and delicious all week long! I discovered these as part of the January Lunch Prep challenge and have made them so many times since. I love swapping out ingredients to change them up too... craisins instead of chocolate chips sometimes. I prefer mine with almond butter.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Kate! I'm so happy to hear you've been enjoying these bars, and that's so fun that you've been playing around with different add ins. Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
Andrea says
These snack bars are SO delicious and very easy to make! I accidentally forgot to add the chia seeds and I also added some large unsweetened coconut flakes. Even my very picky toddler loved these! I will definitely be making these again !
Denise Bustard says
Hi Andrea! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the snack bars. Coconut flakes sound like a great addition. Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to come back and leave a review, I really appreciate it!
Rebecca says
These snack bars are awesome! Simple to make and perfect for that afternoon snack. My family requests these often!
Denise Bustard says
Hi Rebecca! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the snack bars. Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review, I really appreciate it!
Kerry says
I love having these in the freezer ready to grab for a work snack!
Rachael says
I love these bars! More importantly, my kids will actually eat them...chia seeds and flax meal included! My only modifications are dark chocolate chips and and half the amount of honey. Definitely a repeat recipe in our house.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Rachael, that's so great to hear! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review, I really appreciate it!
Michelle says
This was the perfect afternoon snack! Thank you so much for a healthy and easy make ahead treat to go along with my coffee ๐