Easy No-Bake Granola Bites
Kathleen R. Coffey
A quick and nutritious no-bake snack, these granola bites combine wholesome oats, peanut butter, and a hint of sweetness to create a satisfying energy boost. Perfect for meal prep and customizable to your taste, this recipe is an excellent option for healthy snacking.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Refrigeration Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 30 granola bites
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 cookie scoop or hands for shaping
Parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Airtight storage container (Tupperware or ziplock bags)
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup honey or agave nectar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Begin by assembling all the ingredients listed. Measure each component precisely using measuring cups and spoons to ensure the best consistency and flavor balance. It’s important to have everything ready before you start mixing, as this helps maintain workflow and accuracy. Set aside the quick oats, crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, honey or agave nectar, vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Combine Dry Ingredients Gently: In a large mixing bowl, add the quick oats, crispy rice cereal, ground flaxseed, and mini chocolate chips. Using a gentle folding motion with a spatula or large spoon, mix these dry ingredients together carefully. The goal is to evenly distribute the flaxseed and chocolate chips throughout the mixture without crushing the delicate crispy rice cereal, which adds a crucial crunchy texture. Prepare the Wet Mixture Separately: In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey (or agave nectar), pure vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Warm this mixture slightly — either in short bursts of 15 seconds in the microwave or on low heat on the stovetop — just enough to soften the peanut butter and melt the coconut oil. Stir continuously to blend these ingredients into a smooth, silky liquid. This step is important because the warm mixture will better coat the dry ingredients, helping the bites hold together. Incorporate Wet Ingredients into Dry Mix: Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula or large spoon, fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every oat flake and cereal piece is coated with the sticky binder. This process creates a thick, cohesive mixture that will hold shape once chilled. Avoid overmixing to preserve the texture of the crispy rice cereal. Shape the Granola Bites Uniformly: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out rounded tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls. The size should be consistent to ensure even setting and convenient snacking. Place each formed bite onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Chill for Firmness and Flavor Development: Transfer the baking sheet with the shaped granola bites to the refrigerator. Allow the bites to chill and set for a minimum of 1 hour. This chilling time helps the mixture firm up so the bites hold their shape well when handled. You may extend the refrigeration to 2 hours if you prefer a firmer texture. The flavors also meld beautifully during this period. Store and Serve with Confidence: Once chilled, your no-bake granola bites are ready to enjoy! If not serving immediately, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable ziplock bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness. For longer storage, keep them frozen for several months—simply thaw at room temperature before eating. These bites make a convenient grab-and-go snack that fits perfectly into busy days, lunchboxes, or post-workout fuel.
- Handle the mixture gently to avoid crushing the crispy rice cereal, preserving the crunch.
- Add 2 tablespoons of ground chia seeds or shredded unsweetened coconut to boost nutrition and texture.
- Use natural, creamy peanut butter for the best flavor; almond or sunflower butter work well as substitutes.
- Adjust moisture by adding extra honey or coconut oil if the mixture feels too dry, or increase oats/flaxseed if too wet.
- Ensure thorough chilling for at least 1 hour to help the bites firm up and hold their shape.
- Toast oats and flaxseed lightly beforehand for a nuttier, deeper flavor (optional but recommended).
- Roll the bites tightly between your palms to make compact, cohesive balls that don’t fall apart.