No-Bake Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars

Hey friend—thanks for dropping by! I’ve got a recipe that’s perfect for your snack drawer, lunchbox, or on-the-go fuel stash. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars are crunchy, chewy, salty-sweet, and totally crave-worthy. Think everything you love about trail mix—nuts, fruit, oats, and chocolate—all held together with creamy peanut butter and honey. No oven, no fuss, all flavor!

If you’re the kind of snacker who loves a bit of crunch, a burst of berry, and a touch of chocolate in every bite , you need to keep this one in your rotation. Want this recipe delivered straight to your inbox? Be sure to subscribe below to never miss a snack-worthy recipe again!

What Are No-Bake Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars?

These bars are the no-bake answer to your energy bar cravings! Made with rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, they’re everything you love about a wholesome trail mix, pressed into chewy, satisfying bars.

They’re naturally sweetened, packed with texture, and easy to customize with whatever’s in your pantry. Great for post-workout fuel, afternoon slumps, or road trip munchies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a total win for so many reasons:

• No-bake & quick to make – Ready in minutes with just one pan.
• Packed with protein, fiber & healthy fats – All-day energy!
• Perfect for meal prep – Stash them in the fridge for snacks all week.
• Easy to customize – Use your favorite mix-ins or clear out your pantry.
• Kid-friendly – Sweet, chewy, and nutty (and chocolate chips never hurt!)

What Do They Taste Like?

They’re soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch. The peanut butter and honey create a creamy, slightly sticky base that holds everything together, while the oats and seeds bring in texture. The raisins and cranberries add a chewy, fruity punch, and those mini chocolate chips? Yeah—they’re the perfect little indulgence in every bite.

They taste like a cross between a granola bar and your favorite trail mix—satisfying, slightly salty, and naturally sweet.

Benefits of Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars

• No refined sugar – Naturally sweetened with honey and dried fruit.
• Plant-based – Vegetarian and easily made vegan.
• Fiber-rich – Thanks to oats, seeds, nuts, and fruit.
• Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and keep them on hand.
• Customizable – Ideal for using up what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (natural or classic)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup almonds (chopped, or any nut of choice)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife for slicing

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions:

• Peanut butter → Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter
• Honey → Maple syrup or agave for a vegan version
• Oats → Use quick oats for a softer texture, or puffed rice for lightness
• Almonds → Use walnuts, pecans, cashews, or pumpkin seeds

Optional Add-ins:

• Flaxseed meal or chia seeds for added omega-3s
• Coconut flakes for a tropical twist
• Cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
• Protein powder for an added boost

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out easily once set. You can also lightly grease the dish if preferred.

Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the peanut butter and honey until smooth and well combined.
Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, raisins, sunflower seeds, almonds, and dried cranberries.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Press Into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon (or your hands with parchment over top to prevent sticking).

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until firm and set.

Step 7: Slice & Snack

Lift out of the pan using the parchment edges and cut into 12 bars or squares. Store and snack away!

What to Serve With Trail Mix Bars

These bars are amazing on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With a smoothie or protein shake for a full breakfast
• Alongside a yogurt cup for a sweet and savory combo
• Paired with fruit and nuts in a snack box
• As a pre-hike or workout snack for lasting energy

Tips for Success

• Press firmly into the pan for bars that hold together well
• Let them chill fully before cutting for clean slices
• Use natural peanut butter for a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Avoid overmixing once the chocolate chips are in—they’ll start to melt!

---

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp for 10–15 minutes before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes! Use sunflower seed butter and skip the almonds—or use pumpkin seeds or more oats instead.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add protein powder?

Absolutely! Add 1–2 tablespoons and increase peanut butter slightly if needed for binding.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure to press firmly and chill long enough before cutting.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Snack Bar

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars are the perfect combo of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. They’re endlessly customizable, crazy easy to make, and always a hit—whether you’re feeding kids, prepping healthy snacks for yourself, or just looking for something to keep in your bag.

Want more easy, no-bake snack bar recipes? Try my Balsamic Glazed Roasted Carrots or Blueberry Muffin Protein Balls next!