Save to Pinterest Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I first made these granola bars when looking to create a healthier snack for my family that everyone would enjoy. They have become a staple in our house, and we love experimenting with different add-ins each time.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3 cups
- Crispy rice cereal: 1 cup
- Raw sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans): 1/2 cup
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 cup
- Creamy peanut butter or almond butter: 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine & Coat:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press & Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool & Cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping press the mixture into the pan, and we often package individual bars for easy, healthy school lunches. Sharing homemade bars always feels special in our family.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy a bar with your morning coffee, or pair with yogurt and fruit for a nourishing breakfast. They also make a great post-workout snack.
Storage Instructions
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze between layers of parchment paper.
Nutrition Details
Each bar contains about 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein. Adjust nutrition by changing add-ins as desired.
Save to Pinterest Homemade granola bars are a satisfying, flexible snack that makes healthy choices easy. Make a batch and let your creativity shine with each bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, substitute nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
- → What sweeteners work best in these bars?
Honey offers natural sweetness and moisture, but maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative without altering texture significantly.
- → How do I ensure bars hold together well?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking and allow bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- → Can I add dried fruit or chocolate chips?
Yes, chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots and mini chocolate chips add flavor and variety to the bars.
- → How should I store the bars for best freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.