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    Home » What We're Eating » Appetizers and Snacks » No-Bake Crispy Granola Bars

    No-Bake Crispy Granola Bars

    Published: Mar 22, 2015 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CrispyComeback #CollectiveBias

    The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate come together in a nutritious, energy-packed snack that your family will LOVE! These No-Bake Crispy Granola Bars pack chia seeds, oats, coconut oil and protein into a delicious on-the-go snack or make ahead breakfast option. And while they taste like a decadent cookie dough treat, they only have about 130 calories per serving!

    Healthy No-Bake Crispy Granola BarsDo you guys remember the M&M's® Crispy from years ago? Well, they're back (thanks to so many consumers' requests)! The delicious milk chocolate with a crispy rice center is the perfect versatile snack or dessert, and for this chocolate-loving family, they were a must-have purchase on a recent stop at CVS!

    CVS

    I love we can grab an individual bag (which has just 180 calories) for a quick snack, or I can pick up a larger bag to use for sharing or cooking. When I saw a big bag of them on the shelf at CVS, I instantly knew that I wanted to incorporate them into a fun new recipe for my family.

    I have no problem allowing my kids to indulge in sweets every so often, but I consider it a small victory when I can pair these treats with other incredibly healthy ingredients for a delicious and simple snack. My boys LOVE that they are allowed to have chocolate, and I'm excited that they're also consuming chia seeds (i.e. OMEGA 3's!), protein, wholesome oats (fiber!), and healthy fats. These no-bake granola bars taste like dessert, but they're nutritious enough for an on-the-go energizing breakfast or snack.

    Healthy No Bake Granola Bars 6

    Would you like to see how quickly they come together?

    Here are the ingredients that you need (all items that I had waiting for me in the pantry after my quick M&M's® Crispy stop): chia seeds, oats, vanilla protein powder, M&M's® Crispy, crispy rice cereal, honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil!

    Ingredients

    First, you'll roughly chop about ¼ cup (or an individual-sized bag) of the M&M's® Crispy. Try not to eat ALL of them while you're working!

    Chop M&M's

    Then all of the dry ingredients are mixed in one bowl...

    Dry Ingredients in Bowl

    while the wet ingredients go into another.

    Wet Ingredients in Bowl

    Microwave the wet ingredients for about 20 seconds, stir them together, and you should have a nice, smooth binder for your bars. Is there anything better than peanut butter and honey melted together?

    Melted Wet Ingredients

    Why yes, there is. It's peanut butter, honey, and CHOCOLATE mixed together!

    Just pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss until fully combined. It will look and taste like cookie dough!

    Ingredients Combined

    Then you need to press the mixture into a pan that has been lined with wax paper or parchment. I like to use the back of a large spoon or spatula to get them packed REALLY firmly in the dish. That way the bars will hold together really well after you cut them later.

    Decorate the top of your bars with additional M&M's® Crispy if desired, and then pop them whole tray into the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight) so that they can firm up.

    Pressed into Pan

    Once the bars are really firm and chilled, slice them into squares.

    Cut Bars

    Keep any extras in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to enjoy!

    Healthy No Bake Granola Bars 5

    I wish that I had captured a shot of a little baby hand reaching onto the table as I was snapping photos. This little guy could NOT wait another second to eat his bar!

    Spencer Eating

    Spencer Eating 2

    They brought a smile to his face, and with his brothers' help the first batch of these goodies disappeared within a matter of days!

    Spencer Smiling

    If you want to pick up some M&M's® Crispy so that you can make some of these bars yourself, be sure to grab this coupon to save $1 at CVS. Oh, and check out this video, too!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja3_Nr24CII&feature=youtu.be

    [Tweet "#No-Bake Crispy Granola Bars are chocolate-peanut butter HEAVEN! #CrispyComeback #ad"]

    Healthy No Bake Granola Bars 3

    Here's the handy printable recipe:

    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    No-Bake Crispy Granola Bars

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 16
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
    • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
    • ½ cup vanilla protein powder
    • ¼ cup coarsely chopped M&M’s Crispy about one 1.35 ounce package, plus additional for topping
    • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
    • ½ cup peanut butter softened
    • ¼ cup honey
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

    Instructions

    • Place all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
    • Place remaining ingredients in a small bowl and heat in microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until softened. Stir, stir, stir until the ingredients are completely combined and smooth.
    • Pour peanut butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir until all of the dry ingredients are coated.
    • Line a square baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper and use the back of a large spoon or spatula to press the mixture into the pan.
    • Don’t be gentle! Take your time and really press the mixture down firmly so that the bars hold together properly.
    • Decorate with additional M&M’s Crispy.
    • Refrigerate until firm (at least a couple of hours, or overnight).
    • Cut into bars or squares.
    • Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

    Question: Are you a former M&M's® Crispy lover, or are you anxious to get your hands on a pack to try them for the first time? How will YOU enjoy them?

    Looking for other great on-the-go snack ideas? Try these:

    2-Minute Peanut Butter Dip

    2 Minute Peanut Butter Dip

    Homemade Whole Wheat Graham Crackers

    Homemade Whole Wheat Graham Crackers 3

    5-Minute No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

    No Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars 5

    Toddler Muffins (Whole Grain Honey Peach Mini Muffins)

    Toddler Muffins

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joanne

      March 22, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      I have never tried the crispy M&M's, but I will now with your recipe. These bars will make a yummy snack!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 23, 2015 at 5:55 am

        That's awesome, Joanne! I know that you'll love these bars (and the M&M's!). 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anna @ Sunny Side Ups

      March 24, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      I love how easily these bars come together, and they look so delicious! And your son's face is just so adorable--if he loves them that much, I'm sold too! 🙂

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 24, 2015 at 9:09 pm

        Hah, thank you Anna!!!

        Reply
    3. Rachel

      March 24, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      I am so happy to have M&Ms crispy back too! I kind of want to hoard them because I worry they will go away again. Funny reading by the way- I once looked up an amazon page where you could supposedly ship them from germany. The reviews had me laughing for like an hour. Some people are so colorful.

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 24, 2015 at 9:09 pm

        You are too funny, Rachel! 🙂 I agree...hoarding may have to happen!

        Reply
    4. Ashley Tukiainen

      March 25, 2015 at 4:48 am

      Oh my gosh! YUM! Pinning for later 🙂

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

        Thanks, Ashley! 🙂

        Reply
    5. The Wellness Wife

      March 30, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      What a great idea for a protein snack! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 30, 2015 at 4:09 pm

        Thanks for stopping by, and thank for the pin! 🙂

        Reply
    6. jess

      January 03, 2018 at 3:15 pm

      Hi I was wondering if protein powder needs to be adding for consistency?
      Is there an alternative? Or if I leave it out will they still be firm enough?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Blair

        January 03, 2018 at 6:06 pm

        Hi, Jess! Yes, you'll need the protein powder for the right consistency -- otherwise the bars would be too sticky and wet. If you don't want to use protein powder, you can sub with oat flour (ground up oats). The protein powder also gives the bars a vanilla flavor and added sweetness, so keep that in mind. You might want to add a dash of vanilla extract and/or additional sweetener, to taste.

        Reply

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