Perfectly soft and chewy, these Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars are an oat-rageously satisfying snack. Nibble, munch or devour… there’s no wrong way to enjoy these hand held temptations! Just 4 ingredients and you’re done!

Two granola bars without nuts on napkin with M&M's.

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Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars

Did you run out of your favorite Kudos granola bars? Well kudos to you… now you can make your very own copycat granola bars at home!

These kitchen sourced granola bars serve up sweet on-the-go satisfaction.

Lisa writes: "Delicious! A great afternoon snack!"

Are you ready for the best part? Just 4 ingredients and you’re done!

Trust me, these chewy bars are fuss free and oh so gratifying.

And because these bars are made with real oats, they’re also a tasty way to power up your brain.

Snacking perfection… achieved!

Granola bars truly are the ultimate snackable delight, and these easy no-bake granola bars are perfect for packed lunches for kids or adults!

You can also use these terrific little treats to pull yourself out of your afternoon slump, or fuel your hangry little munchkins after school.

Whatever the occasion, you’ll want these soft and chewy homemade granola bars on repeat!

So what are you waiting for?

It’s time to enjoy some first rate snacking… one bite at a time!!

Be sure to also try these Banana Bread Muffins and these Cinnamon Apple Chips for even more happy snacking!

Now here’s what you’ll need to make your chewy homemade granola bars…

Related: How To Get Walmart Grocery Deals

Homemade Granola Bars ingredients arranged in a row.

What Is The Main Ingredient In Chewy Granola Bars?

The main ingredient for these chewy granola bars is quick oats.

They’re inexpensive to buy and loaded with nutritious goodness. Goodness you can feel good about and that will also make you feel good!

Sounds good, right? 🙂

What Makes Granola Bars Stick Together?

For this recipe, we’re going to make these chewy granola bars stick together without even using honey.

Instead, we will simply use butter and sweetened condensed milk as the binder. Then we’ll pop everything into the oven to create the perfect baked treat!

Related: More Delicious Homemade Snacking Recipes

Ingredients

You’ll just need the following ingredients to make the best homemade granola bars in your kitchen.

First check your cupboards, pantry, and fridge, then add the following to your next grocery list to make sure you’ve got everything on hand…

  • Quick Oats
  • Butter
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Mini M&M’s

You’ll also need a small 9×13 baking sheet and some non-stick cooking spray to get the job done.

That’s it. So easy!

Just 4 simple ingredients is all you’ll need!
Oats in a large mason jar on a red napkin.

How to Make Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars

You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own chewy granola bars at home!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Spray a small 9×13 baking sheet with nonstick spray.

2 Then combine your ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to the cooking sheet and flatten.

4. Bake as specified.

5. Then while still warm, cut the baked mixture into granola bar style shapes using a plastic knife.

ENJOY!

See… I told you this was going to be easy!!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Two Granola Bars on a red napkin.

Granola Bar Variations

Want to change things up a bit? Go for it!

Here are just a few tasty granola bar variations that I know you’ll love…

  • Drizzle the top with melted chocolate
  • Dip the bottom in melted chocolate

How to Store Granola Bars

Your new favorite homemade granola bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 1 week.

These are perfect for making at the beginning of the week to pack in school and work lunches. Or to simply have on hand for some delicious afternoon snacking!

Homemade Granola Bar Reviews

Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about these soft and chewy granola bars…

Kim writes: “Yummy!! Perfect snack!”

Josh writes: “Delicious”

Betty writes: “These are perfect for lunchboxes!”

Lisa writes: “Delicious! A great afternoon snack!”

Ryan writes: “The perfect after school treat.”

Two granola bars without nuts on napkin with M&M's.


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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!

5 from 10 votes

Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars

Perfectly soft and chewy, these Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars are an oat-rageously satisfying snack. Nibble, munch or devour... there's no wrong way to enjoy these hand held temptations! Just 4 ingredients and you're done!
Servings: 24
Two granola bars without nuts on napkin with M&M's.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Save This Recipe!
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Ingredients 

  • 3 cups Quick Cooking Oats
  • 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1.5 cups Mini M&Ms

Instructions 

  • Gather your ingredients.
    Homemade Granola Bars ingredients arranged in a row.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray small 9x13 baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In large mixing bowl, stir together Oats, Condensed Milk, Melted Butter, and Mini M&M's with wooden spoon.
    Oats in a large mason jar on a red napkin.
  • Press mixture flat onto sprayed baking sheet, covering the surface of the sheet. (Tip: keep your hands slightly wet and to help them not stick to the bars)
  • Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until done. (on the shorter end for chewier bars, and on the longer end for crispier bars)
  • Remove from oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes, and while still warm... carefully cut into granola bar style shapes using a plastic knife.
    Two Granola Bars on a red napkin.
  • Cool completely before storing, and ENJOY!!
  • Storage Tip: Granola bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
    Granola bars on napkins with a glass of milk.

Notes

Granola Bar Variations
Want to change things up a bit?  Go for it!
Here are just a few tasty granola bar variations that I know you'll love...
  • Drizzle the top with melted chocolate
  • Dip the bottom in melted chocolate
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!

More Homemade Snack Recipes

So are you ready for even more crave-worthy Homemade Snacking Recipes?

Here are more tasty treats I know you’ll love sinking your teeth into…

Banana Bread Muffins

This Easy Banana Bread Muffins Recipe is your ticket to a fabulous sweet banana sensation.

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Feed your pumpkin cravings with these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Muffins!

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With the perfect blend of sweet pumpkin, rich chocolate, and cozy Fall spices, you’ll want these muffins on repeat!

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Today I’m going to show you how to make powdered sugar donuts in a donut pan… Baked, Not Fried!

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Dried Cinnamon Apple Chips

Fruit snacks are fun… but real homemade fruit snacks smothered in cinnamon sugar are irresistible!

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Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips (Just 5 Ingredients)

I can’t get enough of these yummy Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips! Healthy, Easy, and SO delicious!

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Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe (Parmesan Ranch Party Snack)

Satisfy your next snack attack with this savory Parmesan Ranch flavored Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe!

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Crockpot Baked Apples Recipe

This amazing Crockpot Baked Apples Recipe is so easy, so delicious… what a perfect way to enjoy apples!!

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Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe

Turn those fresh apples into something extra delicious with this easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe!

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Protein Packed Snacks

Spiced Walnuts Recipe

Are you ready to meet your new favorite sweet & spicy snack? These baked walnuts are so good!

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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

These savory pecans wrapped in a gooey sugar glaze are beyond dreamy, and can be made in just 5 minutes!

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Cinnamon Sugar Almonds Recipe

These almonds are a must-have anytime you’re craving an outrageously tasty almond snack.

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Hard boiled eggs just got Instant Pot easy with this fool-proof Pressure Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe!

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Mealtime is about to get ridiculously simple with this HUGE list of Easy Meal Prep Ideas! You won’t believe how much time and money you’ll save each week!

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Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!

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Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!

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So have you tried making these Homemade Granola Bars for yourself yet?

Leave a comment and share…

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

5 from 10 votes

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32 Comments

  1. CoCo says:

    These would make such a fun addition to the littles lunchbox, Heidi! I can’t get over how easily they can be customized and changed which is a great feature for food when you’re in a household of picky eaters. Mine would love a drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate for an after school snack or sweet treat. Thanks for making lunches easy, CoCo

    1. Heidi says:

      Mmm… drizzling both chocolate and peanut butter on top sounds amazing!

  2. Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl says:

    These look absolutely delicious! I love how simple and customisable the recipe is, yummy!! I’d definitely drizzle milk chocolate on mine.

    1. Heidi says:

      Drizzling milk chocolate is a must… so good!

  3. Jeff the Chef says:

    These homemade granola bars sound fantastic! Love how simple they are. The tip about wetting hands to prevent sticking is a great one!

    1. Heidi says:

      Thanks so much Jeff! And yes, wetting the hands is a must!!

  4. Judee says:

    What a great recipe and so easy. I would love the bars. It’s a perfect grab and go snack.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you so much Judee! I agree, they are such a convenient snack for busy days!

  5. Healthy World Cuisine says:

    5 stars
    Love how easy this recipe is to whip together. In addition, it is a much more frugal option than the expensive granola bars at the store. Chewy and delish!

    1. Heidi says:

      I agree, it’s a frugal way to snack… and with no hidden ingredients!

  6. Kathrine Eldridge says:

    5 stars
    My son loves granola bars so I need to make this for him! Of course he will want the M and M’s. Thanks for sharing this easy recipe!

    1. Heidi says:

      I’ve personally found these bars to be very effective at taming the appetite of teen boys… at least for a few minutes! 🙂