Healthy Granola Bars: the perfect on-the-go snack that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition! Are you tired of reaching for processed snacks filled with artificial ingredients when hunger strikes? I know I was! That’s why I embarked on a mission to create the ultimate homemade granola bar – one that’s packed with wholesome goodness, satisfyingly chewy, and bursting with flavor.

Granola bars have evolved from a simple camping staple to a beloved snack enjoyed by people of all ages. Their origins can be traced back to the 19th century, but the modern granola bar as we know it gained popularity in the 1970s, coinciding with a growing interest in health foods. Today, they represent a convenient and customizable way to fuel our busy lives.

What makes a great granola bar? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the satisfying crunch of nuts and seeds, the chewy sweetness of dried fruit, and the binding power of a touch of honey or maple syrup. People adore granola bars because they are incredibly versatile, easily portable, and offer a customizable canvas for endless flavor combinations. Plus, when you make your own healthy granola bars, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a snack that aligns perfectly with your dietary needs and preferences. So, let’s get baking and create some delicious and nutritious bars together!

Ingredients:

3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)

Preparing the Dry Ingredients:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and ready to bind with the wet ingredients later.

Combine Oats, Nuts, and Seeds: In a large bowl, add the 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped mixed nuts, and 1/2 cup of mixed seeds. Make sure the nuts are roughly chopped so they distribute well throughout the bars. You don’t want huge chunks that make the bars difficult to cut.
Add Dried Fruit and Coconut: Next, add the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries (or your preferred dried fruit) and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the bowl. I like cranberries because they add a nice tartness, but raisins, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries work great too. Just make sure they’re not too sticky; if they are, you can lightly dust them with flour.
Spice it Up: Now, sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, comforting flavor, while the salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt – it’s important!
Mix Well: Use a large spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients together. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for ensuring that each granola bar has a consistent flavor and texture.

Preparing the Wet Ingredients:

Now for the wet ingredients! This is where the magic happens, binding everything together and adding sweetness and moisture.

Combine Peanut Butter and Honey: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter and 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup). I prefer natural peanut butter because it has a richer flavor and fewer additives, but any nut butter will work. If you’re using maple syrup, make sure it’s pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Melt and Mix: Microwave the peanut butter and honey mixture for about 30-45 seconds, or until the peanut butter is softened and the honey is runny. Be careful not to overheat it! Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. If you don’t have a microwave, you can gently heat the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Add Coconut Oil and Vanilla: Stir in the 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The coconut oil adds moisture and helps the bars hold together, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Make sure the coconut oil is completely melted before adding it to the mixture.
Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the wet ingredients together until they are completely smooth and emulsified. This ensures that the mixture will evenly coat the dry ingredients.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:

This is where we bring everything together! The key is to mix thoroughly so that every oat, nut, and seed is coated in the delicious wet mixture.

Pour Wet Ingredients Over Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Try to distribute the wet mixture evenly over the dry ingredients.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a large spoon or spatula to mix the wet and dry ingredients together until everything is completely coated. This may take a few minutes, but it’s important to be patient and make sure that no dry ingredients remain at the bottom of the bowl. The mixture should be sticky and well combined.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, now is the time to add them. Gently fold them into the mixture until they are evenly distributed. I like to use dark chocolate chips for a slightly less sweet and more sophisticated flavor, but semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work just as well.

Pressing and Baking:

Now we’re ready to press the mixture into a pan and bake it! This step is crucial for creating bars that hold together well and have a nice, chewy texture.

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after they’ve baked. You can also lightly grease the pan with cooking spray if you prefer.
Press the Mixture into the Pan: Transfer the granola bar mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly dampened) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The tighter you pack the mixture, the better the bars will hold together. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really press down and create a compact layer.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the granola bars for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them and adjust as needed. You want them to be firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the center.

Cooling and Cutting:

Patience is key here! Letting the bars cool completely is essential for them to set properly and be easy to cut.

Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. This will take at least 1-2 hours, or even longer. I often let them cool overnight for best results. Don’t be tempted to cut them while they’re still warm, or they will crumble.
Lift and Cut: Once the granola bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into bars. The size and shape of the bars are up to you – I usually cut them into about 12 bars.

Storing Your Granola Bars:

Proper storage will keep your granola bars fresh and delicious for days!

Store in an Airtight Container: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also store them in the refrigerator for longer storage, but they may become slightly harder.
Freezing: For even longer storage, you can freeze the granola bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your granola bars:

Nut Butter Variations: Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Dried Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits, such as chopped dates, raisins, dried apricots, or dried blueberries.
Add-Ins: Consider adding other ingredients like chopped crystallized ginger, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Healthy Granola Bars are more than just a snack; they’re a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, perfectly crafted to fuel your day. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, convenient, and wholesome treat. Forget those store-bought bars loaded with artificial ingredients and excessive sugar. This recipe puts you in control, allowing you to customize every bite to your liking.

Think about it: a grab-and-go breakfast on busy mornings, a satisfying post-workout refuel, or a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up. These granola bars are incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into any lifestyle. The combination of chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruit creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more. And the best part? You know exactly what’s going into your body – only the good stuff!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to create your own signature granola bar. Craving a chocolatey indulgence? Add some dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the mix. Want a tropical twist? Incorporate shredded coconut, dried mango, and macadamia nuts. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Breakfast on the Go: Wrap a granola bar in parchment paper for a quick and easy breakfast you can take anywhere.
* Post-Workout Fuel: Enjoy a granola bar after your workout to replenish energy and aid muscle recovery.
* Lunchbox Treat: Pack a granola bar in your child’s lunchbox for a healthy and satisfying snack.
* Trail Mix Addition: Crumble a granola bar and add it to your favorite trail mix for extra flavor and crunch.
* Yogurt Topping: Sprinkle crumbled granola bar over yogurt for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
* Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the nuts to create a nut-free version.
* Vegan Option: Ensure you are using vegan chocolate chips and maple syrup to make this recipe vegan.
* Add Protein: Incorporate protein powder or chia seeds for an extra boost of protein.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and comforting flavor.
* Sweeten it Naturally: Use honey, agave nectar, or date syrup instead of maple syrup.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade Healthy Granola Bars. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize the recipe to suit your own taste preferences.

Once you’ve made your batch, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and stories on social media using [Your Hashtag] or leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious and nutritious homemade granola bars! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Healthy Granola Bars: Your Guide to Delicious and Nutritious Snacks

Chewy homemade granola bars with oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a touch of sweetness. A healthy, customizable, on-the-go snack.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time95 minutes

Category: Breakfast

Yield: 12 bars

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
Instructions
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until softened. Stir until smooth. Add melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is completely coated.
4. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips, if using.
5. Press and Bake: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the granola bar mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan (at least 1-2 hours, or overnight).
8. Lift and Cut: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into bars.
9. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Notes
- For best results, use natural peanut butter and pure maple syrup.
- Make sure the nuts are roughly chopped for even distribution.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together well.
- Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Nut Butter Variations: Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Dried Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits, such as chopped dates, raisins, dried apricots, or dried blueberries.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding other ingredients like chopped crystallized ginger, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Healthy Granola Bars: Your Guide to Delicious and Nutritious Snacks