01/18/2026
No-Bake Cranberry Almond Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Begin by preparing an 8-inch square baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help ensure that the granola bars come out easily once set.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Stir the mixture until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you are using almond butter that is thick, you may want to microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
4. Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients. Ensure that all the oats, nuts, and cranberries are coated with the almond butter mixture.
5. If you are using mini chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. It is important to pack it tightly to ensure the bars hold together once set.
7. Once the mixture is packed down, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set. If you want to speed up the process, you can place them in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
8. After the bars have set, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the dish.
9. Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares, depending on your preferred size.
10. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. Enjoy your homemade no-bake cranberry almond granola bars as a nutritious snack or breakfast option!