Snacks are a staple in pretty much any college diet, and the humble granola bar is often my go-to choice. Unfortunately, most bars typically cost over a dollar each, making them less than ideal on a college budget. In reality, many of the ingredients found in granola bars are inexpensive and easily found at the supermarket. These no-bake granola bars come together quickly and are full of whole grain oats, nuts, and dried fruit to satisfy any sweet tooth while getting even the busiest students through the day. And the best part? You don’t even have to turn on your oven. 

Cherry Coconut Granola Bars

  • Prep Time:20 mins
  • Cook Time:0
  • Total Time:20 mins
  • Servings:8
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup creamy nut butter i.e. almond peanut etc.
  • 1/3 cup brown rice syrup or honey
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Sarah Fung
  • Step 1

    Add oats, dried cherries, coconut flakes, and pecans to large mixing bowl and stir ingredients until well combined.

    oatmeal, porridge, rice, wheat, corn, cereal
    Sarah Fung
  • Step 2

    Add melted coconut oil, nut butter, brown rice syrup (or honey), salt, and vanilla extract to medium sized bowl and stir mixture until uniform. If mixture is not runny, microwave for 30 seconds or until consistency resembles that of honey.

    dairy product, cereal, coffee, yogurt, sweet, cream, milk
    Sarah Fung
  • Step 3

    Pour liquid mixture into large bowl with dry ingredients and stir until dry ingredients are well coated.

    porridge, rice, wheat flake, oat, muesli, granola, wheat, oatmeal, corn, cereal
    Sarah Fung
  • Step 4

    Line an 8X8" container with parchment paper. Pour mixture of wet and dry ingredients into lined container and firmly press mixture into container.

    rice, wheat, muesli, corn, granola, porridge, buckwheat, oatmeal, cereal
    Sarah Fung
  • Step 5

    Freeze granola bar mixture for about one hour.

    milk, cornflakes, sweet, rice, oat, porridge, muesli, granola, oatmeal, wheat, corn, cereal
    Sarah Fung
  • Step 6

    Remove mixture from freezer and cut into eight bars.

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    Sarah Fung

Easy, right? These must-try granola bars will instantly become a snack time staple. If you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the type of nuts and dried fruit to create some exciting new flavor combos. Store the finished product in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Happy snacking.