Recipes

No-Bake Walnut Granola Bars

Name: No-Bake Walnut Granola Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pitted Medjool dates; 1 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup walnuts; 1/4 cup hemp hearts; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 3 tablespoons water, (as needed); Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, (for drizzling (optional))

This recipe was originally shared in 2018 and was updated with new photos and extra details. They’re still a favorite after all this time!

These walnut granola bars are simple and require only 6 ingredients (7 if you add a chocolate drizzle, which I recommend) and less than 15 minutes. All you need is a food processor.

They’re also packed with fiber from the dates, oats, nuts and seeds. Plus, they offer some omega-3’s and protein from the walnuts and hemp hearts. The result is a nutritious, satisfying and balanced snack.

No-Bake Walnut Granola Bar Ingredients:

Walnuts: Walnuts add a nutty flavor and texture to the bars, plus a good dose of fiber, healthy fats and protein. You can also replace the walnuts with other nuts, such as cashews or pecans if you want to switch it up.
Oats: Oats are the base of these bars, along with the walnuts and dates. They make the bars hearty and packed with soluble fiber.
Hemp Hearts: These add extra protein and healthy fats to the recipe.
Dates: Use Medjool dates for the best results. Medjool dates help the bars stick together, plus they add sweetness to the recipe.
Vanilla and Cinnamon: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon adds a delicious flavor to the bars.
Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

How to Make Walnut Granola Bars:

Here are the steps that you need to make easy no-bake walnut granola bars.

Combine the Ingredients
Add your dates, oats, walnuts, hemp hearts, vanilla and cinnamon to a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed, adding water as needed.
Form the Bars
Press the mixture at the bottom of a dish. Cut into approximately 8 bars and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Walnut Granola Bars FAQ:

Can I Replace the Walnuts with Other Nuts?

Yes! I would recommend pecans or cashews for a similar texture. Almonds could work, but they are harder and will change the texture slightly.

Can I Make These Granola Bars Nut-Free?

You can replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds and/or pumpkin seeds, but note that the flavor will be affected. I find that seeds add a stronger flavor, which might not be to everyone’s liking. For a trusted nut-free granola bar recipe, I recommend making these seedy granola bars.

What Can I Use Instead of Hemp Hearts?

You can replace hemp hearts with ground flax seeds or chia seeds. You can also use a combination of these seeds. If you don’t have any seeds on hand, you can just use more walnuts.

More No-Bake Granola Bar Recipes:

And if you’re looking for more walnut recipes, check out these cherry chia jam crumble bars or walnut flax energy bites.

Watch How to Make the Recipe:

No-Bake Walnut Granola Bars

Simple no-bake granola bars requiring only 6 ingredients and less than 15 minutes. These bars are sweetened with dates and packed with fiber from nuts, seeds and oats.

Course Snack

Cuisine vegan

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 0

Total Time 15

Servings 8

Ingredients

3/4 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons water, as needed
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Add the dates, oats, walnuts, hemp hearts, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed, adding water as needed. It will depend on how dry your dates are, I usually need around 3 tablespoons.
Press the mixture at the bottom of a dish. Cut into approximately 8 bars. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Store in the fridge or freezer. I like to use glass Tupperware containers, which can be closed and stored in the freezer. These bars can be eaten straight from the freezer.

Video

Notes

You can replace the walnuts with pecans or walnuts if preferred.

For a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Keep in mind that these have a stronger flavor and will change the flavor of the bars. For a tested nut-free recipe, try these seedy granola bars.

You can use chia seeds or ground flax seeds instead of hemp hearts. Or use more walnuts.

If you make these no-bake walnut granola bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Previous « Balanced and Nutritious Snack Ideas

View Comments

rachel says:

2018-11-13 at 11:38 am

hi do you think i can sub the hemp hearts for something else? i dont have any
thank you
- Unsweetened Caroline says:
  
  2018-11-13 at 7:58 pm
  
  Hi Rachel, yes you can! These bars are very versatile. Chia seeds or ground flax seeds would work. If you don't have those, I would just add more walnuts. Hope this helps!
rachel says:

2018-11-18 at 6:35 am

thank you so much i made them for a family dinner this weekend and it was a big hit! i used half chia seeds and sunflower seeds instead of the hemp hearts
- Unsweetened Caroline says:
  
  2018-11-18 at 9:08 am
  
  I'm happy they loved it! That makes my day. :)
Ben Russ says:

2021-02-07 at 8:56 am

I just made this recipe and it was lovely. I needed a filling snack for between workouts and I'll be making more in the future!
- Nourished by Caroline says:
  
  2021-02-08 at 10:33 am
  
  I'm so happy you liked it! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. :)
Denise says:

2021-04-03 at 8:24 pm

Just made a batch of the Walnut granola bars and the Seriously addictive seedy bars, we should be good for snacks for a little while :)
- Nourished by Caroline says:
  
  2021-04-05 at 8:06 am
  
  That's great, enjoy the granola bars! And thank you for the rating. :)