Description
These homemade granola bars are a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, they make an excellent snack for busy days, workouts, or outdoor adventures. With customizable ingredients, these bars can be tailored to fit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds (or your favorite nuts)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan options)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for a sweeter option)
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds (for extra nutrients)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking your granola bars. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and peanut butter until melted and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly into an even layer.
- Bake or chill:
- Baked version: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let it cool completely before cutting.
- No-bake version: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into bars: Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into bars or squares.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Swap the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Experiment with add-ins like shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, or a pinch of sea salt for a gourmet twist.
- These granola bars are perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking (or No-Bake)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Granola bars, healthy snack, homemade granola bars, energy bars, breakfast bars, oats, nuts and seeds, no-bake granola bars, protein bars, gluten-free snack