Get ready to fuel your day with these incredible No-Bake Monster Cookie Bars – the ultimate energy bars that are sure to become your new favorite snack! Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, these bars are not only gluten-free but also incredibly delicious, making them the perfect option for breakfast, midday snacks, or whenever you need a tasty pick-me-up.
Packed with wholesome ingredients, these Monster Cookie Bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while providing you with the energy you need to tackle whatever the day throws your way!
What Are Monster Cookie Bars?
Think of these energy bars as a healthier version of your favorite Monster Cookies! They’ve got all the classic ingredients we all look for in a monster recipe such as M&M’s, nut butter, and oats. However, we made them a little bit healthier, and turned them into a no-bake bar for a sweet treat you can feel good about eating!
Sweet, salty, and so easy to make, they’re everything you could ever ask for…and more.
Monster Energy Bar Ingredients
Unlike traditional Monster cookie recipes that require eggs and sugar, this version uses simple, (mostly) healthy ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Oats – Old-fashioned oats create the best texture and ensure your bars hold together. Don’t forget to make sure they’re certified gluten-free if you follow a gluten-free diet!
- Almonds – Almonds add healthy fats, fiber, and a bit of protein to these Monster Cookie Bars.
- Honey – Honey is crucial to ensure your bars hold together! Plus, it adds an extra touch of sweetness we love.
- Nut Butter – We used almond butter, but any nut or seed butter you like best can be substituted instead.
- Coconut Oil – A good source of medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil helps thin out the batter so that it is easier to mold and shape into bars.
- Vanilla Extract – Don’t overlook the vanilla! It helps enhance the sweet flavor of these energy bars, taking them from good to great.
- Chocolate Chips – Feel free to use whatever variety you like best.
- M&Ms – For this recipe, we used classic M&Ms. However, it’s fun to swap them out for different holiday-themed candies throughout the year.
- Chia Seeds – Technically optional, chia seeds help add fiber and plant-based protein to these energy bars, making them even more filling.
How to Make the Best No-Bake Energy Bars
Made with just a food processor and a baking pan, this recipe couldn’t be any easier. You don’t even have to turn on the oven! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be on your way to snacking in no time.
- Process the oats and almonds until a flour-like consistency is formed.
- Add the remaining ingredients except for the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and pulse until everything is well combined.
- Gently mix in the final ingredients.
- Press the mixture into an 8×8 baking pan. Note: option to roll into balls for energy bites!
- Place in the fridge or freezer until the mixture is set, and slice into bars.
Our Secret Tips & Tricks
Of course, these monster cookie bars are super easy to make. However, we’ve tested them quite a few times and have developed a few tips and tricks to make them even better.
Add Milk. If the batter is too dry to stick together, try adding a splash of your favorite milk, and pulsing again.
Add More Oats. If the batter is too wet or sticky, add in a few more oats to help it become just a little drier.
Create Balls Instead of Bars. For an easy on-the-go option, roll your monster cookie bar batter into balls instead of bars!
Add a Boost of Protein. If you want to make these bars even more filling, try adding in a scoop of your favorite protein! However, keep in mind that you’ll need to thin out the batter again if you do.
Get a Little Fancy. If you’re looking for an extra indulgent treat, feel free to add a layer of icing to the top of your bars, and don’t forget the sprinkles or extra candies, too!
How to Store Monster Energy Bars
Fridge: Transfer your energy bars to an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Keep your bars in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, when you’re ready to eat, we recommend letting them soften on the counter just a bit!
More Dessert Bars You’ll Love
- Half cookie, half brownie, these Oreo Brookie Bars are the best of both worlds in one delicious dessert!
- Ooey, gooey, and decadent, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are what dreams are made of.
- These Golden Oreo Peanut Butter Bars are an easy dessert that is worth raving about!
- More than your average Rice Krispie treat, these Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treat Bars are loaded with peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Nutter Butter cookies.
Almond Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or no salt added
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds optional
- 1/4 cup m&ms
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Process the oats and almonds until a flour-like consistency is formed.1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup raw almonds
- Add the remaining ingredients except for the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and pulse until everything is well-combined.2 Tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup creamy almond butter, 3 Tablespoons coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- Gently mix in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup m&ms
- Press the mixture into a 8x8 baking pan. Note: option to roll into balls for energy bites!
- Place in the fridge or freezer until the mixture is set, and slice into bars.
Video
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is the calories listed for 1/4 of the recipe?
Yes!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Delicious! We love this recipe. It will be in regular rotation!
Thank you, Kate! We’re so happy to hear this!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
To make it nut free could you substitute more oats or pretzels?
We haven’t tested it and can’t guarantee the results but think more oats or coconut flour might work. We’d love to know how it goes if you give it a shot!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa