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.
No-bake Dark Chocolate & Walnut Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Optional chocolate drizzle
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, walnuts, cereal, salt and chocolate chips. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup and tahini. Heat over a medium/low flame and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, for 1-2 minutes.
- Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and combine together until evenly incorporated.
- Line a medium baking dish (about 10” by 7”) with parchment paper. Flatten the mixture into the baking dish and push down tightly. You can also use a 9” by 13” pan for thinner bars.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to set.
- For the chocolate drizzle, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30 second increments until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars once they harden.
- Using a large, sharp knife, cut the bars into 16 equal bars.
- Keep stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Thank you, Marilyn! I’m so happy you were able to modify these to fit your needs
Can you sub the crispy rice cereal?
I personally love the added crisp but you can just leave them out!
Hi – can you make this with old fashioned oats?