A pan of these M&M Granola Bars can be on your counter in minutes. These homemade granola bars are easy to make and you can use different mix-ins every time you make them.
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No Bake Granola Bars
We are under an extreme heat advisory here in Florida. So no-bake recipes are on repeat all week long.
I decided to clean out the pantry and make some granola bars with whatever I found. Our kids eat granola bars like they are going out of style, so I decided that making my own is cheaper and better than the processed ones I have been feeding them.
I'm not sure if I will ever buy another box from the store again! These were so delicious and easy to make!
Usually when I'm craving something sweet and no bake, I make these Skinny Peanut Butter Granola Bites. They never last long either. But this week I was on a mission for homemade granola bars.
I love being able to throw whatever I have in my cupboard at the time for new varieties! I'm thinking a peanut butter cup version needs to happen ASAP! Right?
I had fun digging through the baskets in our pantry for goodies to use up. I came out with mini M&M's, mini chocolate chips, and mini marshmallow bits! You really can use just about anything.
These homemade granola bars were fantastic, and I can't wait to make more versions.
How to Make M&M Granola Bars
- Stir together the oats and cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- Heat butter, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Let simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour over the oat mixture and stir until everything is coated. Let cool for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chocolate chips, mini marshmallow bits, and mini M&M's.
- Press firmly in a buttered 8x8 pan. Use wax paper to press it down firmly.
- Sprinkle the top with additional toppings and press in. Let cool completely.
- Place pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours; remove and cut into 10 bars.
BruCrew Tip: Use leftover candies to make M&M cupcakes.
Granola Bar Mix-ins
You can change up the flavor of these easy granola bars with other fun ingredients. Here are some of our favorites.
- Dried Fruits - cranberries, raisins, banana chips,
- Freeze Dried Fruits - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Cookies - Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, Nutter Butters
- Nuts & Seeds - walnuts, pecans, peanuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds
- Candy - Reese's Pieces, peanut butter cups, M&M's
- Spreads - peanut butter, Biscoff, Nutella, almond butter
- Others - toffee bits, pretzels, caramel bits
Tips and Tricks
- These are a soft granola bar, if you keep them out on the counter.
- If you want a harder granola bar, keep the pan of bars in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Use a piece of wax paper to press the mixture very firmly. The harder you press them into the pan will help them stay firm later.
Let the mixture cool completely before cutting it into ten even bars. Store in a tightly sealed container on the counter or in the fridge.
More Granola Bar Recipes
- No Bake Chocolate Granola Bar Bites
- Cappuccino Chip Granola Bars
- No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars
- No Bake Nutella S'mores Granola Bars
- Caramel Apple Granola Bars
- White Chocolate Caramel Granola Bars
- Thin Mint Granola Bars
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Granola Bars
- Biscoff Bars
- Strawberry Granola Bars
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Recipe
No Bake M&M Granola Bars
A pan of these No Bake M&M Granola Bars can be on your counter in minutes. These homemade granola bars are so easy to make, and you can use different mix-ins every time you make them.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini M&M’s
- ½ cup mini marshmallow bits
Instructions
- Butter an 8x8 pan.
- Combine the oats and cereal and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar and honey. Stir over medium heat until melted and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Reduce heat and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla.
- Add the oats mixture and stir until coated. Let cool for a 5 minutes before stirring in all the mix-ins.
- Press into the prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment paper to press it down so everything sticks together.
- Let cool on the counter for 2 hours. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before cutting into 10 bars.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 63mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*This post was first published in June 2012. It was updated and republished in June 2020.
Tracy
After setting in fridge do they need to be stored in fridge.
Jocelyn
That depends on what type of texture you want. They will be softer if you keep them out on the counter. If you want a firmer bar, keep them in the refrigerator.
Kiera Morin
Do you need the Rice Krispies or can you leave them out
Jocelyn
You can leave them out if you like. If the mixture seems a little wet, you can add 1/4-1/2 more oats if you like.
Elissa
I have oatmeal, could I use that instead of rolled oats?
Jocelyn
You sure can. Most oatmeal is made with the rolled oats. I hope you like the bars!
cookie 33
Where does the brown sugar come in?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Whoops! Sorry about that...you will add it with the honey.
cookie 33
Thank you
Jenn "Rook No. 17"
Jocelyn, I'm so excited to try this recipe! Sharing on Facebook and pinned it too!
Holly Lefevre
No bake - and M&M's - love this for summer or anytime!
Something Swanky
Yum! These remind me of kudos bars-- which I HEART!
Kristy Lynn
i'm pretty sure just about all of us love things in mini - they're cute, functional, and tasty! haha
happy src reveal, friend!