Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Healthy and Nutritious: Made with whole ingredients and no preservatives.
-
Customizable: Easily tailor the bars with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and flavors.
-
Easy to Make: Requires no baking and minimal prep time.
-
Perfect Snack: Portable and satisfying, great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
2 cups rolled oats
-
1/2 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
-
1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds)
-
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
-
1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
-
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
Directions
-
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm peanut butter and honey until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
-
Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
-
Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or your hands.
-
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
-
Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 12 bars
-
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
-
Chilling Time: 2 hours
-
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
-
Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
-
Nut-Free: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit nuts.
-
Extra Protein: Add protein powder or hemp seeds to the mix.
-
Spiced Flavor: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming twist.
-
Tropical Twist: Use dried pineapple and shredded coconut instead of other dried fruits.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Keep granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
-
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
-
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
-
No Reheating Needed: Granola bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I bake these granola bars?
This recipe is no-bake, but you can bake similar bars at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes for a crunchier texture.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are preferred for better texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.
Are these granola bars vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup and a plant-based nut butter to keep them vegan.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, add chocolate chips after mixing but before chilling for melty pockets of sweetness.
How do I make the bars stick together?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill thoroughly to help them set.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Ensure oats are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination.
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter all work well.
Are these bars healthy?
They’re a balanced snack with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, but portion control is key.
How long do they last?
Up to 1 week at room temperature, longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Can I customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Add spices, extracts, or different mix-ins to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Homemade Granola Bars are an easy, nutritious, and customizable snack that can be tailored to your preferences. With wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, they make a perfect grab-and-go treat for busy days. Whether you like them fruity, nutty, or chocolatey, these bars are a delicious way to fuel your day naturally.
Homemade Granola Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Granola Bars are wholesome, no-bake snacks packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, post-workout energy, or a healthy treat anytime, customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
-
2 cups rolled oats
-
1/2 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
-
1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds)
-
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
-
1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
-
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
-
Heat Wet Ingredients: Warm peanut butter and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
-
Combine: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
-
Press into Pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly.
-
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
-
Cut and Store: Lift mixture from pan using parchment, cut into bars or squares, and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate for a sweet twist.Use sunflower seed butter and omit nuts for nut-free bars.Boost protein by adding protein powder or hemp seeds.Spice it up with ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.Swap dried fruits for tropical flavors like pineapple and shredded coconut.Store bars at room temperature up to 1 week or refrigerate for 2 weeks. Freeze individually for up to 3 months.
