Granola Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade granola bars are easy to make, customizable to your taste, and free from the preservatives and excess sugar often found in store-bought versions. They can be chewy or crunchy, loaded with nutritious ingredients, and tailored to dietary needs. Ideal for meal prep, these bars are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

old-fashioned rolled oats
nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
honey or maple syrup
chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
optional add-ins: chocolate chips, seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin), coconut flakes, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pinch of salt

Directions

1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, combine nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and well blended.
3. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, dried fruit, and any optional add-ins.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
7. Lift from the pan and slice into bars. Store or enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10–12 bars and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time.

Variations

• Chocolate chip: Stir in mini chocolate chips after the mixture cools slightly.
• Tropical: Add dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and cashews.
• Berry nut: Use dried cranberries, almonds, and a touch of cinnamon.
• High-protein: Add a scoop of protein powder and extra nut butter.
• Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter and skip nuts—add more seeds or dried fruit instead.

Storage/Reheating

Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. No reheating is required—just thaw and eat if frozen.

FAQs

Are granola bars healthy?

Yes, especially when made at home with wholesome ingredients and minimal added sugar.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture may be softer and less chewy.

How do I make the bars stick together?

Press the mixture very firmly into the pan and use enough sticky sweetener like honey or syrup to bind the ingredients.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and choose dairy-free chocolate or add-ins.

Can I bake these bars?

Yes, for a firmer texture, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes before chilling.

What can I substitute for nut butter?

Sunflower seed butter, tahini, or coconut butter are good alternatives.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all add-ins are gluten-free.

Can kids eat these?

Yes, they’re great for school lunches or after-school snacks. Just be mindful of allergens.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Stick with dried fruit—fresh fruit contains moisture that may make the bars spoil faster.

Why did my bars fall apart?

They may need more binding ingredients or firmer pressing into the pan. Chill longer before cutting for best results.

Conclusion

Granola bars are a simple, nutritious snack you can make at home with ingredients you trust. With endless variations to suit every preference and dietary need, they’re a perfect choice for breakfast, lunchboxes, or energy on the go. Once you try making your own, you’ll never look at store-bought bars the same way again.

Granola Bars

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Granola bars are a nutritious, customizable, and portable snack made from oats, nut butter, and your favorite mix-ins. Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a healthy on-the-go treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 10–12 bars
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
• 1/3 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
• Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin), 1/4 cup coconut flakes, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together, stirring until smooth and combined.
3. In a large bowl, mix the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and any optional add-ins.
4. Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down very firmly with a spatula or your hands.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
7. Lift from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 10–12 bars. Enjoy or store for later.

Notes

• For chewier bars, do not bake. For firmer bars, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes before chilling.
• Press mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold their shape.
• Let cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Customize with your favorite mix-ins or dietary preferences.
• Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg