When it comes to snacking, it’s easy to get into a store-bought granola or protein bar rut. But if you’re ready to save money and use healthier ingredients, then you’ll love this easy homemade version! Here’s what’s great about them:
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Long Storage Time: They can stay fresh for up to a week at room temp and up to two weeks in the fridge.
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No-Bake/10-Minutes: Simply mix everything together, refrigerate, and cut into bars!
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Perfect Texture: They hold together, so they’re great for taking on-the-go.
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Healthy Ingredients: Sweetened with honey or agave, they’re naturally sweetened!
These easy-to-make bars are truly a game-changer!
RELATED: Honey Oatmeal No-Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients for Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these simple, wholesome bars:
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Rolled Oats – Old-fashioned oats give these bars the perfect chewy texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer.
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Sliced Almonds – Adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. You can also use chopped almonds or swap with chopped walnuts or pecans.
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Dried Cranberries – Tart, sweet, and so delicious!
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Cinnamon/Salt
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Vanilla Protein Powder – Boosts the protein in each bar! Any type of protein powder (whey, plant-based, collagen) works here.
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Almond Butter – You can also use peanut butter or cashew butter if preferred.
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Honey or Agave – Natural sweetness to bind everything together. Maple syrup works great, too!
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Bars
I love how easy these bars are to make! They come together in just minutes, then set in the fridge. That’s it! Here’s how to make Healthy Oatmeal Bars in 4 easy steps:
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Mix the Ingredients – Combine everything in a large bowl and mix until it forms a sticky dough.
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Line and Press – Line a 9” square pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture evenly into the pan.
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Chill – Place the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help everything firm up.
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Cut and Serve – Slice into 12 bars and enjoy right away or store for later!
Tip: Lightly wet your hands or use the back of a spoon to press the mixture down evenly without sticking!
Tips for Making Healthy Oat Bars
- If the dough seems a little dry at first, keep mixing.
- This is our favorite vanilla protein powder for this recipe, but any type of vanilla protein powder will work!
- Don’t want to use protein powder? Substitute it with oat flour instead!
- Refrigerate the oat bars for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
- Use a small, square or rectangle cake pan lined with parchment paper to easily set, cut, and remove the bars.
- Feel free to adapt these bars with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, seeds and spices!
Oatmeal Bars Healthy Variations
Want to mix up the flavors in oatmeal bars? Simply replace the dried cranberries and sliced almonds with the following variations:
- Raisins, mango, pineapple, apricots
- Goji berries
- Chocolate chips
- Nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts and walnuts
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
How to Store Healthy Oatmeal Bars
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Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days. This is the best way to store homemade oatmeal bars!
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Freezer – Freeze individually wrapped bars or layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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To Thaw – Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or pop them in the fridge overnight.
More bars for healthy breakfasts, snacks, and desserts
- No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
- The BEST Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Easy Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa Bars
- Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Chocolate Cherry Crumble Dessert Bars
Healthy Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey (or agave)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients together and mix.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper in a square 9" cake pan.
- Place the dough in the pan and flatten until even.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
LJM says:
So easy and so delicious! I’m not a fan of traditional oatmeal and was looking for a healthy way to enjoy it. Problem solved! I’ve made them twice, 2nd time added mini dark chocolate chips, so so good! I’m going to try a version with peanut butter and chocolate protein powder next. Thanks for this great recipe!
Jere Cassidy says:
I saw this recipe and just had to make it. This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make for something healthier than my usual sugary granola bar.
Angelica says:
Can this be made without the honey or agave?
Christine McMichael replied:
Since they are no-bake, I would recommend using something that can hold them together instead. You could try out maple syrup instead! Enjoy the recipe!
Pavan says:
Do I have to use protein powder?
Christine McMichael replied:
You could try using oat flour or another type of flour instead!
SusanTibbetts says:
Can you use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Christine McMichael replied:
I wouldn’t recommend steel cut oats since the texture is very different from rolled oats. I’m not sure that the texture of the bars would hold up the same way!
kita says:
Oh wow. I absolutely love this recipe and am totally crushing that they can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says:
I have somehow bought a LOT of protein powder over the last few weeks, and am looking for recipes to use it up. This looks like the perfect solution! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Tara says:
I love no bake bars especially when i am on the go and really busy. Helps they can be healthy too.
Sophie says:
I have two bags of rolled oat that expires next month. I have now a yum recipe to finish up those and I am sure my family will love it.