These no-bake dark chocolate and walnut granola bars are the simplest snack to prepare for the week, filled with whole-grains, good fats, and a little boost of protein! This recipe was made in partnership with California Walnuts, but all opinions are my own.

No-bake Granola Bars
I know what you’re thinking- why make my own granola bars when I can easily buy them? Simple answer- homemade granola bars are a fun way to customize your favorite snack bar!
Most store bought bars are pretty simple and high in sugar. These dark chocolate and walnut granola bars are lightly sweetened, filled with good fats from the walnuts, tahini and chia seeds, and are a convenient snack or breakfast to have on hand.

Heart-healthy fats
Chia seeds, tahini and walnuts add fiber and fat to this recipe- both of which help keep you full.
The chia seeds and tahini help bind these bars together, while providing a subtle, nutty flavor.
Walnuts are unique in flavor, and super versatile- they can be seasoned to meet sweet, salty or spicy flavor cravings while providing valuable nutrients to keep you energized!
One serving of walnuts, which is about 1 oz or 1/4 cup, has 4g of protein, 2g of fiber, and 2.5g of plant-based omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an essential fatty acid that may play a role in heart health. In fact, walnuts are the only nut that provides an excellent source of ALA.
They also can play a role in cognitive health and even gut health. They’re versatile, shelf-stable and are a key staple in a heart-healthy diet and a staple in my pantry!

How to make homemade granola bars
These no-bake dark chocolate and walnut granola bars come together so easily and are made with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rolled Oats- oats are a rich source of fiber, protein and iron. They’re loaded with important vitamins and minerals, like phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and folate
Walnuts- Walnuts offer protein (4g/oz) and fiber (2g/oz), and are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA.
Tahini- tahini replaces some of the oil in this recipes, and adds the most delicious nutty flavor
Chia Seeds- the chia seeds provide omega-3 fats, and help bind these bars together
Pure Maple Syrup
Coconut Oil- refined coconut oil is my go-to for baking. It has almost no smell or taste, compared to virgin coconut oil which has a rich coconut flavor. Either one would work well, but your bars may taste more like coconut if you use a virgin oil
Sea Salt
Dark Chocolate Chips– I love to opt for 70% cocoa content when choosing chocolate chips or chunks!

No-bake dark chocolate and walnut granola bars are a nutrient dense snack to have on hand. They’re dairy-free and gluten-free friendly, and made with only the best ingredients!

Thank you to California Walnuts for sponsoring this post. I only work with brands I truly love and believe in.
Hi – can you make this with old fashioned oats?
This was so fast, delicious, and easy, even for someone who usually doesn’t cook. The bars look really attractive, too. Thank you for the great recipe!
I appreciate you sharing this content.
Hi, recipe looks great! Question: is there anything that can be used instead of coconut oil, or is that key to the bars setting up? Thanks!
Hey Amy, you’ll need the coconut oil to bind the bars unfortunately
Amazing Recipe! I’d definitely love to try this recipe. Would love to cook this with True Elements Rolled Oats and I hope it turns out to be delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, these bars look delicious I tried them and they were a super hit in my family. I used true elements baked granola to make them, they give a perfect crunch which makes the bars great. You can also try them