Ready in 30 minutes, these Homemade Energy Bars combine oats, peanut butter, seeds, raisins, coconut, and chocolate for a chewy snack that requires no baking.
This no-bake energy bar recipe combines oats, peanut butter, seeds, raisins, and coconut with a chocolate drizzle on top. No oven is required. The bars set in the freezer until firm enough to cut and serve. For more make-ahead ideas, Protein Overnight Oats can be prepped ahead for breakfast.
Quick Look: Homemade Energy Bars
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 8 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 2 minutes
- ❄️ Freezing Time: 20 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🍫 Yield: 12 bars
- 🥣 Base: Rolled oats and creamy peanut butter
- 🌱 Seeds: Chia and flax seeds
- 🍇 Add-Ins: Raisins and shredded coconut
- 🍫 Topping: Dark chocolate drizzle with optional espresso
- ❄️ Cooking Method: No-bake and freezer-set
- ✨ Texture: Chewy with a firm texture after chilling
- 🥜 Nut Butter: Peanut butter or cashew butter
- 🌱 Vegan Option: Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
- Why This Recipe Works: Peanut butter and maple syrup or honey bind the oats and seeds without baking, while raisins and coconut add chew and texture. Add the chocolate drizzle after cutting for a smooth layer on top. No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Cookies are another way to use rolled oats.
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Ingredients
- Rolled oats – 2 cups. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the bars a chewy texture and provide structure. Quick oats are denser by volume and require a smaller amount.
- Chia seeds – 2 tablespoons. Chia seeds add a slight crunch and texture to the oat mixture.
- Flax seeds – 2 tablespoons. Flax seeds add texture and a mild nutty taste alongside the chia seeds.
- Creamy peanut butter – 1 cup, melted. Peanut butter gives the bars their main nutty flavor and helps bind the oats, seeds, and other ingredients.
- Sugar-free maple syrup or honey – ¾ cup. Either option adds sweetness and works with the peanut butter to hold the mixture together. Honey contains sugar, unlike the sugar-free maple syrup option listed in the recipe.
- Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon. Cinnamon adds a warm spice flavor to the oats, peanut butter, and chocolate.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – 2 tablespoons. Shredded coconut adds mild coconut flavor and texture. Sweetened coconut can work, but you may need less maple syrup or honey.
- Raisins – ⅓ cup. Raisins add sweetness and a chewy texture between the oats and seeds.
- Dark chocolate chips – ¼ cup. Dark chocolate creates the drizzle and adds a chocolate layer on top of the bars. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for the vegan variation.
- Espresso – 1 teaspoon, optional. Espresso adds a light coffee flavor to the chocolate drizzle. You can leave it out or replace it with vanilla extract.
- Coconut oil – ½ tablespoon. Coconut oil thins the melted chocolate and helps create a drizzle consistency. A mild vegetable oil can replace it if needed.
How to Make Homemade Energy Bars
- Mix the energy bars: In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, coconut, and raisins until well combined. PICS. 1–2
- Press and freeze: Line an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it very firmly with a spatula to create a flat, even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes. PIC. 3
- Prepare the chocolate drizzle: Place the chocolate chips, espresso, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until almost melted. Stir after each interval, then stir until smooth and creamy. PIC. 4
- Cut the bars: Lift the mixture from the dish with the parchment paper and place it on a large baking sheet. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut it evenly into 12 bars. PIC. 5
- Drizzle and freeze: Separate the bars and drizzle the melted chocolate over each one. Freeze for another 10 minutes, or until the chocolate sets. PIC. 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use a little less because quick oats are denser by volume. Rolled oats will give you chewier bars with more structure.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan and measure the ingredients carefully. Too many oats or seeds can leave you short on peanut butter and sweetener, which may cause the bars to fall apart.
Cashew butter is a good option if you want a milder flavor. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, or soy nut butter. Expect some difference in flavor and texture.
Let the bars firm up in the freezer before you cut them. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the slab into even bars without crumbling the edges.
More Easy Homemade Snack Ideas
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Homemade Energy Bars
Ingredients
For the No-Bake Energy Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats uncooked - If you only have quick oats on hand, you will need to reduce the overall amount, as quick oats are packed more densely.
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds - You can also use sesame seeds sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter melted (or cashew butter)
- ¾ cup sugar-free maple syrup or honey - Both options work just as well but honey is not sugar-free.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut - If you only have sweetened coconut shreds reduce the maple syrup or honey slightly.
- ⅓ cup raisins - Golden raisins or sultanas also work.
For the Chocolate Coffee Drizzle
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips - For a vegan option make sure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- 1 teaspoon espresso liquid optional - You can also replace it with vanilla extract.
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil or mild vegetable oil - Use refined coconut oil if the coconut flavor is too strong for you.
Instructions
- Mix the energy bars: In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, coconut, and raisins until well combined.
- Press and freeze: Line an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it very firmly with a spatula to create a flat, even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the chocolate drizzle: Place the chocolate chips, espresso, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until almost melted. Stir after each interval, then stir until smooth and creamy.
- Cut the bars: Lift the mixture from the dish with the parchment paper and place it on a large baking sheet. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut it evenly into 12 bars.
- Drizzle and freeze: Separate the bars and drizzle the melted chocolate over each one. Freeze for another 10 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
Recipe Notes
Storage and Freezing
Freezer: Wrap the bars individually in parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for a week or longer. Thaw: Let the bars thaw on the counter for 5-10 minutes, or until softened enough to eat.Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Did you make this recipe?
Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.This post was first published on January 12, 2015. We made useful modifications to it and updated the recipe.
These turned out really good! I loved the chewy texture, and they were really easy to make.
Can these be taken during a hike? Meaning they will stay outside of a fridge for long.
Hi PL! I don't recommend taking them out to hiking. These are no-bake bars and they won't hold their shape well at room temperature. Sorry!
I have all the ingredients in the pantry! OMG! Dashing off to the kitchen right now! Thanks a bunch for the energetic, super fun idea!
Your gals look like a dollop of marshmallow on a cup of coffee. Whenever I see them on my facebook newsfeed, I smile. Their smile is contentious 🙂
By the way, I rated your recipe "Excellent" and I was being very honest about the rating.
Wow! What a great idea, adding the coffee! Plus, NO NEED FOR BAKING? Count us in!:) We'll put this into our weekly schedule, as we're trying(and failing miserably) to lose some weight, and this is the perfect snack.
Thank you dear Denise!
xoxoxoxo
These bars looks fabulous especially with coffee crunch! Your girls are very pretty Denise 🙂
Thanks a lot!!!! They love to see themselves here. 🙂
Energy bar with coffee crunch?!? Sign me up!!!
Enjoy, Kiran!
Fans of energy bars here, too!!! They're easier to make (no bake), healthier, tastier! Thanks, Denise!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Thanks to both of you. Enjoy!
I saw your post over on Google+ and had to stop by to tell you how delicious your bars look.
Hi, Kristi! Thank you and welcome to FBTY. I hope you can try this recipe at home. Enjoy! A very happy 2015 to you!!!
I want mine with the coffee crunch...these bars look fabulous Denise...
Oh! The girls are so cute...super fofinhas!
Hope you are enjoying your week my dear 🙂
Thanks, Juliana! It has been a busy week so far... but I cannot complain! Take care!
Your daughters are adorable, Denise. I'm sure you treasure every moment with them.
Now, these bars are fabulous. The coffee crunch sound heavenly. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Lail! Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year as well!
This is a nice snack to bring a long when we hike, good one
Thanks, Raymund. Yes, they are also great to bring along when one is exercising.
Your girls are so so adorable!! xo
Thanks, Kiran!
I'll take one big one for breakfast and another for a snack! Much healthier than a cookie--and I bet just as yummy!
I am with you, Liz! 🙂
My husband would love these! He loves tropical fruit, fresh or dried and he's a sucker for bars. These look pretty delicious. The girls look wonderful! Tell them I said "hi!"
Thanks, Nazneen! I will.
I hope you can make these for him.
Very yummy Denise but your girls are stealing the show! They are precious!
Thanks a lot, Chris!!!! 🙂
I definitely need a healthy start to the new year! And this looks like just the ticket -- really, really good. Thanks.
I hope you get the chance to make these bars. They are really tasty and healthy.
Your girls are gorgeous, Denise. I love these kind of bars for snack and busy-morning breakfasts<3
Thanks, Francesca!
I do enjoy eat them too for breakfast and snack as well. They are quite easy to carry to work, school, and anywhere else.
WOAH!!! Love me a no bake recipe. Especially energy bars, I am always looking for a quick and easy, grab and go feed post bikram yoga. Thanks heaps. You rock!
Anna:
Thank you for stopping by. This is definitely a great snack to carry everywhere one goes... and another good thing about them is they won't extend one's waist (or hips).
Denise, before getting to these bars, I have to say how cute your 2 little lovelies are. My goodness, love these kiddos looks too cute.
THE bars looks so easy and deliciouso. Seriously, I don't think I can store them for long.
Thanks, Ash! I am grateful that they got along letting me photographing them.
I could not store them for long as well. I think my husband ate about 2 or 3 of the dozen. I ate the rest by myself in 2 or 3 days. I have to say that I enjoyed them for both breakfast and snack a lot. xx
Love that coffee crunch! And those curls! How lucky are they?
Thanks, Abbe!
I am the luck one for having been blessed with such wonderful girls who I love to pieces.
A compelling recipe! Homemade without all the added "stuff" found in store bought and with outstanding flavor. This recipe is a win Denise1
Deb: Thanks!!! I ate almost the whole batch by myself in 2-3 days. They were addictive and tasted much better than the store-bought ones that are full of stuff. .
Oh yes, after holidat our body (or our stomach) needs to take some rest...!!!
Yes, it really needs, Nydia! Thanks for stopping by.
Ah those look wonderful! Much better than store-bought energy bars 🙂
Hi, June! Thank you and welcome to FBTY.
Yes, they are much healthier than the store-bought ones and tastier as well. I hope you give this recipe a try. Have a happy New Year!
LOVE these no bake energy bars, Denise. Especially with the luscious tropical fruits! And the coffee crunch....more energy! : )
Thanks, Anne!
My husband loved the coffee crunch. I enjoy both ways.Chilled, they are much tastier and addictive too.