These 5-ingredient energy bars are super delicious and packed with protein, antioxidants, Vitamin E, fiber and unsaturated fats. This recipe is perfect to enjoy as an energy bar or even crumbled up as granola.
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When running from one thing to the next it’s easy to rely on convenient foods or energy bars from the store. But these no-bake energy bars are so simple to make and then you’ll have 8 bars on hand to have for snacks, pre or post workouts, and breakfast.
One of the perks of making your own high-protein energy bars at home is that you’re in total control over the ingredients you add in.
This energy bar recipe was so easy and took me all of 20 minutes to put together. And the mix in’s are totally customizable.
You do need to keep the energy bars in the fridge after making to form and firm up for 2-3 hours (or overnight) so they are perfect for making before bed and enjoying with breakfast in the AM!
Energy bar ingredients
I couldn’t have made this energy bar recipe any easier! I wanted to create a healthy snack recipe that was super satisfying, tasted great, and kept you full. For this no-bake energy bar recipe, you’ll need:
Optional mix ins: dried cranberries, chocolate chips, sliced dried apricots, coconut flakes, other nuts, etc.
Health benefits of nuts
It’s been proven time and time again from research the positive impact nut consumption has on our overall heart health. Nuts are tasty, convenient, and make for the perfect snack so you can easily incorporate them into your diet.
Peanuts are a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Folate, Copper, and phosphorus. These healthy energy bars are also rich in fiber, which adds bulk to the diet and helps you feel full longer, while aiding in digestion.
If you have an allergy to nuts (like my hubby!), try using soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter to replace the nut butters!
How to make energy bars
To make this no-bake energy bar recipe, first gather all the ingredients. Then, mix the pulsed almonds, oats and cranberries in a large bowl. Melt the honey and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat before mixing in with the oats.
Press the homemade energy bar mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish and store in the fridge for 2-3 hours (or overnight) and then cut into 8 bars! They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Are these energy bars gluten free?
If you purchase gluten-free oats or oats not processed in a facility with gluten, then yes!
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make this energy bar recipe vegan, use organic pure maple syrup instead of honey. Be sure to buy pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup (which is often made with corn syrup).
Can I freeze energy bars?
Yes, you can freeze these healthy energy bars! To do so, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer baggie. Press out all of the air and then store in the freezer until ready to eat. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month in the freezer.
Tips for making energy bars
Quick cook oats are a must for this energy bar recipe. Old-fashioned oats are slightly too large and chewy for no-bake energy bars, and steel cut oats aren’t tasty raw.
I’ve said this already, but feel free to play around with the mix in’s in these bars! You can use any dried fruit in this recipe, but you’ll want to dice larger pieces of fruit like dried apples or apricots before stirring them into the energy bar mixture.
I prefer using all-natural nut butters for these healthy energy bars because they don’t contain added oils and sugars. But use whatever you have on hand and play around with it!
1cupdried cranberries, dried tart cherries, chocolate chips, other dried fruits or nuts.
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Instructions
Place almonds, oats, and cranberries (or other mix ins you want) in a medium sized bowl. Heat the honey, coconut oil and nut butter in a small saucepan over low heat until mixed. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat and almond mixture and stir together.
Once mixed, transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish and flatten into a 1-inch thick square.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight or for 2-3 hours. Then, cut and store in an airtight container. Will stay good for up to 5 days in fridge. (I also like to store mine in a freezer safe baggie. When I am ready to grab a bar, I'll let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes to soften and then enjoy!)
Video
Notes
*Pulse almonds in food processor a couple times before mixing or you can roughly chop with a knife.
**May sub honey for maple syrup. If vegan, use organic pure maple syrup
***May sub peanut butter for almond butter or your favorite nut butter.
I also like to break up the bars and use as granola!
Store bars in fridge or freezer (not in pantry or counter)
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
My husband and I love these! Had to exert strong will to limit ourselves to one per day. Only change I made was pecans instead of almonds (because that’s what I had in pantry).
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This might be a tough one ( and apparently so) fruit bars! Not nut bars! Fruit! Fruit! Fruit!
My husband and I love these! Had to exert strong will to limit ourselves to one per day. Only change I made was pecans instead of almonds (because that’s what I had in pantry).
Aw thank you SO much Dana! I am glad you two are loving the bars. I love the idea of making with pecans too I will have to try that next 🙂
Yummy. I’ve been into granola bars lately and you can do so many flavors.
Love all the healthy ingredients in these bars!
Thank you so much Courtney!
Homemade Energy Bars and Granolas are the best! I definitely need to try this! Yum!
Thank you so much! They really are!!
I love that these high protein energy bars are good to eat on so many diets. They look delish.
Thank you so much Emily!!
Love these Bars and the idea of no bake too. Love the combination of ingredients used to making these. This is going to be my snacking pack anytime.
No bake is the best right?! Thank you so much, I hope you love them!
These sound so good and so easy!! Love the whole food ingredients 🙂
Thank you!!
Love easy bar recipes!
These are too easy! Love that there’s no baking involved. Pinning to try soon!!
Yes they were! I really enjoyed crumbling them and putting it on my morning yogurt. Enjoy! 🙂