Naturally sweetened and no bake, these granola bars are loaded with trail mix flavors! Perfect for a snack on the go, or a healthy homemade alternative!
If you’re not a fan of the packaged granola bars on the shelves these days, try these mouthwatering no bake trail mix granola bars! Not only are they no bake (which in this case, translates to hardly any effort!), but they’re also naturally sweetened for a chewy granola bar you can feel good about eating!
My kids are big granola bar fans, or as my 3 year old calls them “Ola bars”, so I knew I needed to come up with and share a homemade version!
I wanted a bar that had a lot of great texture, flavor, and was reasonably healthy (it is the start of the new year after all). That’s when it hit me… TRAIL MIX!!
There’s just something about the crunchiness of the seeds, chewy sweetness of the dried fruits, and salty savoriness of the nuts. So I made sure to pack these trail mix granola bars FULL of those flavors!!
Theses bars are loaded with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sliced almonds, pistachios, oats, shaved coconut, dried cherries (or cranberries, whatever you prefer), and dried blueberries!
They’re held together with a mouthwatering peanut butter (or go for another nut/seed butter if you prefer), honey and coconut oil mix that gives it a great chewy texture!
I used old fashioned (or rolled) oats for this recipe, because it’s what I had on hand, but in retrospect, if you’re having trouble with the bars holding together, try the quick cooking oats next time.
They’re smaller and might bind together a bit better. In all honesty, these hold together best when refrigerated. You can certainly keep them on your counter at room temperature, but they may fall apart easier.
These trail mix granola bars would be perfect to pack in a cooler for a road trip. Just make sure to bring plenty, because people won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
Feel free to switch up the nuts/seeds/fruit combos and create your own perfect combination!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (can use quick cooking as well)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (raw)
- 1/8 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/8 cup flax seeds
Instructions
- Line an 8x8" baking pan with wax paper (or parchment paper), enough so the paper overhangs the edges of the baking pan. This makes removing the bars a lot easier.
- Add oats, almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, dried cherries and dried blueberries to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
- Combine peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in a microwaveable mixing bowl. Microwave 30-40 seconds, or until honey is bubbling/foamy. Stir well to combine.
- Pour melted peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to stir it all together.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan. Top with a sheet of wax paper (or parchment paper) and press down firmly into an even layer. Really compact it well. I used the side of a square glass vase to press it down.
- Refrigerate 2+ hours, or overnight. Slice into 8 bars and serve.
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Chef Tips
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Lori says
How long would these be good for?
The Chunky Chef says
In the refrigerator, I think they’d be good for 2 weeks. At room temperature, I would say about a week 🙂
Shoshoni says
Brilliant tasty recipe easy to follow. I was looking for a bar similar to trail mix but without the overkill with sugar that you get in store bought bars. These are the right taste, right crunch and no need to bake is a bonus. Also handy to get a good amount of calories and protein in quickly as someone who stuggles to gain weight. Highly recommend and will be making again.
TJ says
So easy and so delicious! I had found a very similar bar at a couple of local coffee shops and loved them so I was looking for the closest recipe I could find and this was it to a T! So good!
Heather says
Excellent! I make a few modifications. I do not put in the dried blueberries or the pistachios. I use almond butter instead of peanut butter. I add a small amount of chocolate chips.
Leslie DElia says
Is it 352 calories per bar or for the whole recipe?
The Chunky Chef says
It’s per serving.
Supriya Pawar N says
Can I use butter instead of coconut oil
?
The Chunky Chef says
I haven’t tested the recipe that way, so I can’t guarantee it, but you’re welcome to try it.
Jane says
The bars look great but I don’t care for the taste of coconut. Can another oil be substituted?
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Jane 🙂 Unusually enough, coconut oil doesn’t really taste like coconut all that much, but I would recommend substituting butter if you’d prefer not to use coconut oil 🙂
Jane says
Thanks so much. I am going to make them with the butter substitution.
The Chunky Chef says
You’re welcome, I hope you love them 🙂
Michelle | A Latte Food says
I’ve never made granola bars either! But, by the looks of these, I have got to try them out! These seriously look SO good!
Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says
What a perfect way to start the day! I can’t believe I haven’t made granola bars yet! Thanks for the recipe!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
These are the prettiest granola bars I’ve seen and filled with so many wonderful ingredients. I can’t wait to make up a batch!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Those look super awesome!! My kids would have a blast helping me make (and eat) these!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
They look great and the color combinations are stunning! Thank you for sharing!
Erren says
These would be great in the morning!
Amy Engberson says
I’m already in love with all the textures in these granola bars! It’s a bonus that they are naturally sweetened! Yum!