If your mornings are hectic, running out the door with a coffee in one hand and your kids in the other, then these easy, nutritious no bake Trail Mix Granola Bars are for you!
I ran for the bus every single day that I worked in a corporate office.
I’d shuffle down the block in my heels, my hot coffee sloshing onto the pavement, and my mouth full of a grab-and-go breakfast (like these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars), silently praying that the bus was behind schedule.
This was my Monday through Friday for four straight years. You would think that after one year of stressed-out suit sprinting that I would have learned to leave the house earlier, let alone after four years, but it never happened.
What did I do instead? I stored my heels in a box underneath my desk and made sure I also always had a stash of no-bake trail mix granola bars (or sometimes Healthy Granola Bars) at the ready.
I might be late, but at least I wouldn’t be hungry.
5 Star Review
“These granola bars are sooo good. The whole family loves them.”
— Brittney —
How to Make Trail Mix Granola Bars
If you find yourself rushing in the morning, struggle to find time for a healthy breakfast or snacks, have picky eaters to feed, or a bus of your own to catch, this trail mix granola bars recipe is for you (or try these No Bake Granola Bars).
Because they’re a no bake recipe, they take only a few minutes to make, are made from simple ingredients (like this Crock Pot Granola), and can last for weeks, so you’ll always have them at the ready. Plus, they are super yummy, filling, and healthy too!
The Ingredients
- Oats. The base for every great granola bar (and Healthy Granola recipe). It adds a hefty dose of fiber and plant-based protein to every bite.
- Rice Cereal. Adds a lovely contrasting texture to the oats and additional crunch. I always opt for a whole grain cereal whenever possible for a few healthy bonus points.
- Flaxseed Meal. Adds additional fiber and protein along with healthy fats. The flaxseed meal also helps bind the granola bars together and hold their shape (as in these Fig and Date Energy Balls).
- Peanut Butter. A generous scoop (or two) of your favorite peanut butter gives these healthy granola bars a wonderful nutty flavor and helps hold everything together (if you love peanut butter, you’ll also enjoy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls).
- Honey. A little squeeze of honey gives these bars the smallest kiss of sweetness and just the right amount of sticky chewiness.
- Coconut Oil. Incorporates some healthy fats into the bars and keeps these trail mix granola bars moist.
- Cinnamon. Just a hint to warmly spice the granola bars with a little extra something-something. (For more cinnamon goodness, try these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.)
Trail Mix Granola Bar Mix-Ins
Once you have the base of the peanut butter granola bars mixed together, it’s a chose your own adventure of flavors. Choose from any of these mix-in ideas below or feel free to get creative with your own combinations.
- Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, honey-roasted peanuts, pistachios.
- Seeds. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
- Dried Fruit. Raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried apricots.
- Chocolate. You can never go wrong with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate before chilling these bars.
The Directions
- Warm the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil together, stir to combine, and then add the vanilla. Let cool.
- Toss together the oats, cereal, flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, and any desired mix-ins.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the top, then stir until everything is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment and sprayed with cooking spray.
- Press into an even layer then chill until completely set.
- Remove the bars from the pan and slice into bars. ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
I tested a few different versions of these trail mix peanut butter granola bars, each with varying amounts of peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil.
All were duly devoured, but today’s recipe is my favorite. It has just the right amount of sweetness, and the coconut oil helps the bars hold their shape.
- Peanut Butter Lovers Granola Bars. You can certainly swap the coconut oil for extra peanut butter if you’re a big fan. (Or try these Vegan Protein Bars or Peanut Butter Protein Bars)
- Swap the Nuts and Fruits. Feel free to change out the nuts and fruits for any flavors you love or have on hand. Unlike my old bus route’s departure time, this peanut butter granola bar recipe is very flexible and forgiving!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks in a covered container.
- To Freeze. Trail mix chewy granola bars may be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe container.
Tools Used to Make These Bars
- 8×8 Baking Pan. My go-to pan for bars, brownies, and more.
- Parchment Paper. I especially love these pre-cut sheets for their ease and convenience.
These days I’m still running late but with a trail mix granola bar in either hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several factors can cause these granola bars to not hold their shape. First, make sure you are chilling them thoroughly before slicing. Second, these are best stored chilled in the fridge. If left at room temperature (or in a hot car) they will soften considerably. Last, no-stir peanut butter works best in this recipe since natural peanut butter tends to have more liquid and add extra moisture. If you prefer to use natural peanut butter, try increasing the amount of oats, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
I have never added protein powder to these trail mix granola bars before, however, it should work just fine. If the mixture appears too dry and crumbly once you’ve stirred in the protein powder, add a few extra tablespoons of peanut butter or honey to introduce a little extra moisture, if needed.
You may swap the peanut butter for any nut butter of your choice, such as almond butter or cashew butter. If you have a nut allergy, try swapping for peanut-free Wow Butter.
Trail Mix Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats gluten free if needed
- 3/4 cup crispy rice or other puffed grain cereal, whole grain if possible (I used this one)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit I used 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup mixed nuts and/or seeds, I used a mix of toasted pumpkin seeds and almonds
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips dairy free if needed
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on two of the sides like handles. Generously coat the foil or paper with baking spray. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Melt gently and stir until smooth and combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cereal, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt, then stir in the dried fruit, nuts/seeds, and chocolate chips.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the top, then stir until the ingredients are evenly moistened.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking pan, then with a spatula or your fingers, press into an even layer. If the mixture is too sticky, lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the top, then press on its surface.
- Place the bars in the refrigerator to set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Once fully chilled, remove the bars from the pan with the foil or paper “handles,” then, using a very sharp knife, slice into bars. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer for later.
Notes
- NOTE ON PEANUT BUTTER: I used Jif Creamy Natural Peanut Butter, which does not need to be stirred at room temperature. If you use a different brand or formula, you may need to alter the amount of liquid/oats/salt to suit your tastes and ensure the bars hold together once chilled. This recipe is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to adjust as needed.
- TO STORE: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks in a covered container.
- TO FREEZE: Trail mix chewy granola bars may be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition
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I just made this recipe last night and WOW….. these are so easy but yet turn out so delicious. My entire family loves them, which is so unusual because they never agree on anything. This literally took all but 5 minutes to make…… and another 2 minutes to devour. I will be making this daily.
Hi Kerry, thank you so much for trying the bars out and reporting back! I’m so excited to hear that they were enjoyed by all!
These bars are easy and delicious! I mixed in dried cherries, coconut flakes, almonds, and chocolate chips. I LOVE the crunch from the cereal too! Thanks, Erin!
Caitlin, I am so happy that you liked these and the coconut + cherries sounds DELICIOUS. I am going to try it that way myself next time!
Made these yesterday and they are gone!!! Everyone loved them. Going to make more for breakfast during the week. Maybe they will last longer while kiddos are at school, they didn’t stand a chance on a weekend. I used up raisins and dried cranberries that were leftover from a trail mix that apparently had too many in them, glad I didn’t throw them away:)
Hi Denise, what a great idea to use leftover raisins and cranberries from trail mix! I’m so happy to hear everyone loved them. Thanks so much for leaving this great review!
Hi Erin,
What can I substitute if I do not have or want to use puffed cereal?
Thanks!
Hi Allison, you can add more oats if you’d like. I would use 2–3 tablespoons less than the puffed cereal measurement, see how well the mix is holding together, and then add more only if it seems way too sticky. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Hi Erin, thank you so much for the recipe. It smells divine and we can’t wait to try them. I am just wondering if you sprinkled extra chips, seeds n dried fruit on top? Mine does not look like yours, but I am sure it will taste great.
Hi Anna! I didn’t add any additional chocolate chips, seeds, or fruit on top of mine, but you are welcome to if you like! Either way, they will be delicious. :)
These are so good! My husband said the same thing half way through his first bite! I had exactly enough cocoa Krispies left so figured it would be a nice balance to the chocolate chips. I had one for breakfast today and wasn’t even hungry at lunch time. I will definitely be making these again!
Thanks so much for leaving this great feedback, Colleen! I’m so glad to hear you and your husband enjoyed the bars!
Hi Erin, just made these, they look great and taste great, but when they come out of the fridge, they go soft, am i using too much liquid, thanks
Hi Julie! These do soften at room temperature, so you didn’t do a thing wrong! If you’d like them to be firmer, you can add more oats. Just be careful not to add too many so that the bars don’t turn out dry. Glad you are happy with their look and flavor!
I just made these and they are super duper yummy. So much so that I am currently chomping on my second one with a cup of tea (at home in London). My melted mix must have been a little hot as the chocolate melted into the bars a bit, but it only adds to the flavour. Thank you for all your amazing recipes Erin. I love the balance of deliciousness and healthiness. Also, I can never fail to be amused and boosted by your humor and sunny optimism. Thank you! Enjoy the wedding! Louise
Louise, thank you for this sweet comment! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the bars.
I made these last night and my whole family enjoyed them this morning, even my very picky two year-old… I was thrilled at that! Mine don’t look half as pretty as yours, but they sure taste good. I used All-Bran Buds for the cereal component for a punch of fiber, and they still taste great. Thank you! I love your recipes.
Jessica, I’m so happy to hear that these granola bars were a winner with your whole family! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review!
I made this last summer for a family camp out and everyone has been asking for them since.
Pam, I am so so happy to hear that. I hope you love your next batch too!
Hi, made these yesterday + added ground ginger as well as cinnamon – brilliant. Conscious it’s a lot of honey, which is great as it keeps them moist + gooey…do you think maple syrup would be ok too? Anyhow, going to make another batch, freeze some (if they last that long!) + pack them as a treat when we’re out walking + biking :) Thanks for the fab recipes, will post on IG next time!
Hi Heather! I’m thrilled to hear you love these bars – one of my faves, too! I have not tried the recipe with maple syrup – it might not hold together as well as honey, but might be worth a try! If you do try it this way, I’d love to hear how it goes! Enjoy!!
Oh man I did something wrong. Tastes wonderful but won’t hold together at all. Any suggestions? I followed the recipe to the T!
Hi Brittaini, I’m glad the flavor is good! It’s hard to know what may have happened with the consistency without being in the kitchen with you, but you might try adding a bit more honey and peanut butter next time.
I made these in my son’s preschool class today as our weekly cooking project and they LOVED it! They loved measuring all of the ingredients, watching the coconut oil “disappear” into the warm pb and honey, showing off their “super strong muscles…SEEEEE?!?” when it came time to mix everything together, and of course the teachers and parents loved that they got to enjoy a healthy snack after naptime today. Thank you for a(nother) fabulous recipe!!!!
Rachel, that sounds like a wonderful activity! I’m glad the recipe was a hit.
I made this recipe and it is excellent, especially adding one’s own substitutions. However, you can leave the bars in the refrigerator for a month and they will still fall apart when taken out and attempted to be eaten when they become warm no matter how pressed together. I found that if the pan is baked on low temp (200-250) for about 20 minutes, then cooled and cut and put into little individual plastic bags, that they become crispy, are much easier to eat without a spoon and keep well in the fridge until they are all consumed.
Thanks for sharing your notes! I’m glad to hear you enjoy the bars.
Loved these! But found them a tad too sweet. Is there a way to lower the amount of honey and still be able to have them stick together?
Hi Anna! You can swap some of the honey for extra peanut butter. So glad you loved them!
This is a definite keeper with my family and I have made three batches in the last week! The recipe is so easy to make and is easily adaptable to fit more or less ingredients.
I’m glad to hear this recipe is a hit, Karen! Thanks for taking the time to share this review.
I have made these No Bake Trail Mix Peanut Butter Granola Bars again and again ! Minus the trail mix, Peanut butter tastes great with dates and that’s what mine are made with along with Kashi puffed cereal. And I’m using brown rice syrup since I found honey made it too sweet for me. These bars are easy to make often and wonderful to snack on when I’m looking for just little something to tidy me over until dinner. Thank you for this recipe and for your website !
Thank you for sharing this kind review, Lia! I’m so happy this recipe was a hit!
Do you think it would be ok to add few scoops of whey protein powder in the mixture?
Hi Vicky! I have not tried to add protein power to these, but it should turn out fine. I hope you love the recipe!
Could I substitute peanut butter by tahini? Not a big fan of peanut but wondering if tahini will still give the sticky factor? Thank you Monique
Hi Monique! I’ve only tested the recipe with peanut butter, but you could experiment with it. If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
My go-to bar recipe! So so good…love that I can mix it each time depending on what I have. Thank you!
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed them, Alana! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
These granola bars are sooo good. The whole family loves them.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Brittney! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
These are amazing and so healthy. I added goji berries, used spouted almonds the full 1/3 cup, and added more seeds. Absolutely love them. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Linda! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Love this recipe! I used golden syrup instead of honey and a random handful of krave cereal (as I didn’t have any puffed cereal!) also added dedicated coconut, and did a thick layer of dark chocolate on the top so I can eat these as sweet alternatives when I get the urge for something sweet! I am usually terrible at anything baking related and these turned out amazing! Thank you for sharing this recipe, I will definitely make again – also the 2-3 week storing time in the fridge is really handy!! 😊
I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Lou! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
One of my clients actually alerted me to this one and I am glad that they did because I am always looking for snacks to bridge the gaps on busy days. The cinnamon hint was amazing…well done and thank you for this one!
Hi Griff! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Can minute oats be used instead of old fashion oats?
Hi Monica, no I’m sorry, they can’t be used.
This easy & tasty recipe is a life-saver for a working mom like me who always want the whole family have a healthy & delicious snack without spending a whole day in the kitchen. Thank you, Erin! Love this recipe!!
Hi Julita! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
These are AMAZING! I just made my third batch in three weeks. The taste and texture are awesome. We love PB so I use about 5 tbsp and super crunchy cereal. We like the nuts and the dried cranberries a little chopped, and I melt a few tsp of chocolate chips to pour over the top. My husband calls these crack bars lol Thank you!
Hi Juliette! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and your feedback!
These are so delicious! The crisp puffed rice cereal adds the best crunch! Thank you for this recipe. We are making them every week with different variations.
Hi Manisha! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Oh my gosh!!! These are the best and tastiest granola bars I have eaten in a long time. They were so easy to make and they are healthy too! Thank you so much.
Great to hear, thank you Kay!