15-Minute No-Bake Cocoa Granola Bars
These chewy no-bake granola bars combine crispy brown rice cereal, rolled oats, and coconut with rich cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat. Sweetened naturally with stevia and honey, and bound with melted coconut butter, they offer a satisfying texture and wholesome flavor. The addition of flaxseed and sunflower seeds provides extra nutrition and crunch. Perfect for lunch boxes, post-workout snacks, or when you need a quick energy boost without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crispy brown rice cereal
- ¾ cup rolled oats, gluten free
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 packets powdered stevia
- ⅓ cup coconut butter, meltedalmond buttersame amountnut_butters
different flavor profile
- ⅓ cup creamed clover honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Stir together crispy brown rice cereal, rolled oats, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, ground flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and stevia in a large bowl until well blended
- 2
Combine coconut butter, honey, and vanilla in a microwaveable bowl and melt for 1 minute, stirring until well incorporated
- 3
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix well
- 4
Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper hanging over opposite sides and spray with nonstick cooking spray
- 5
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish
- 6
Spread to edges and press down with spatula to even the top
- 7
Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- 8
Lift by parchment paper onto cutting board
- 9
Slice into squares or bars
- 10
Wrap individually for storage
Tips
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well when cut
Let bars chill completely before cutting for cleanest slices
Store wrapped bars in refrigerator to maintain their chewy texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate wrapped bars for up to 1 week
Can be made up to 3 days ahead
Serve chilled or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Press mixture firmly to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart
Don't skip chilling time or bars won't hold their shape when cut
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I substitute regular oats for gluten-free oats?
Yes, but the bars will no longer be gluten-free. Regular oats work fine if gluten isn't a concern for you.
How long do these bars keep?
Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to one week. They maintain best texture when kept chilled.
Can I freeze these granola bars?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before eating.