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To make homemade granola bars, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans), chopped - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup natural nut butter (peanut or almond butter) - ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped - ¼ cup seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a tasty and chewy bar packed with flavor and nutrition. You can easily swap out some ingredients for healthier choices. If you want to reduce sugar, use less honey or maple syrup. You can also try unsweetened applesauce instead. For nut butter, choose a light option like sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Instead of dried fruits, use fresh fruits for more vitamins. Just remember that fresh fruits have more moisture, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor without extra calories. Each serving of these homemade granola bars gives you great nutrition. Here’s what you can expect: - Calories: About 150 - Protein: 5 grams - Carbohydrates: 20 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Fat: 6 grams These bars are a smart choice for a snack or on-the-go breakfast. They keep you full and energized. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the bars cook evenly. Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, and seeds. Add the cinnamon and salt. Use a spoon to stir these ingredients until they mix well. This step is key for even flavor. Now, take a small saucepan. Warm the honey or maple syrup and nut butter on low heat until they melt together. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this warm mixture over your dry ingredients. Mix everything until the oats and nuts are fully coated. Then, fold in the chopped dried fruits gently. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. This helps the bars stick together. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Let the granola cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once cool, lift it out using the parchment paper and cut it into bars or squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade granola bars! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best texture in your granola bars, use rolled oats. They hold together well. Mix in chopped nuts for crunch. I love using almonds, walnuts, and pecans. They add great flavor and good fats. A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of honey or maple syrup. Don’t skip the cinnamon; it brings warmth to each bite. Press the mixture tightly in the baking dish. This helps the bars stick together. You can make these bars fit your diet. For a nut-free option, swap nuts for seeds. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. If you need gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan version, use maple syrup and a plant-based nut butter. Dried fruits add natural sweetness. Use cranberries, raisins, or apricots, depending on your taste. You can also add dark chocolate chips for a treat. Serving your granola bars can be fun! Cut them into neat squares or rectangles. For a special touch, arrange them on a colorful platter. Drizzle a little honey on top for shine. You can wrap each bar in parchment paper. Secure with twine for a cute gift. This makes them perfect for sharing at parties or picnics. These simple ideas will make your homemade granola bars look as good as they taste. {{image_2}} You can mix flavors to make your granola bars exciting. Try adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a sweet twist. You can also use spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm touch. Want a fruity bite? Add banana chips or diced apple. Each flavor change gives a new taste! Make simple swaps for a healthier bar. Use agave nectar instead of honey for a lower-glycemic option. Swap mixed nuts for seeds if you need nut-free bars. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of nut butter. This will cut extra fat while keeping it moist. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your bars. In fall, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor. In summer, mix in fresh berries or peaches for a fruity burst. Winter is great for dried fruits like figs or dates. Each season offers fresh ideas! For the full recipe, check the "Nutty Bliss Homemade Granola Bars" section. To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. This helps to prevent them from getting stale. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a better option. Just make sure to wrap each bar in parchment paper or plastic wrap for extra protection. This keeps them moist and tasty. Homemade granola bars can last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s time to toss them. Fresh bars should feel firm yet chewy. If they become hard or crumbly, they may be past their best. Freezing is a great way to store granola bars for a long time. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy a healthy snack whenever you like! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. You can make granola bars without nuts easily. Simply skip the nuts in the recipe. Use extra seeds instead, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also add more dried fruits. This gives your bars flavor and texture without the nuts. Yes, you can use other sweeteners in your granola bars. Agave syrup or brown rice syrup work well. For a low-sugar option, try mashed bananas or apple sauce. Each sweetener gives a unique taste, so choose one you like best. Toppings add fun and flavor to your granola bars. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate chips - Shredded coconut - Chia seeds - Extra dried fruits - A drizzle of nut butter Feel free to mix and match these toppings. They make your bars even more tasty and fun to eat. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. Making homemade granola bars is simple and rewarding. We reviewed key ingredients, prep steps, and storage tips to ensure success. You can customize your bars with flavors, swap ingredients for health, and serve them in fun ways. Remember to check the freshness as you store them. In summary, these tasty bars are easy to make, healthy, and fun to enjoy. You now have the tools to create your perfect granola bar! Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and sharing them with friends and family.

Homemade Granola Bars

Craving a healthy snack that's both delicious and easy to make? Discover the joy of homemade granola bars! This simple recipe showcases nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits, allowing you to customize flavors to suit your taste. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday boost, these bars keep you energized. Dive into the recipe now and create your new favorite snack that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans), chopped

½ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup natural nut butter (peanut or almond butter)

½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped

¼ cup seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.

      In a small saucepan, warm the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter over low heat until melted and combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

        Pour the honey-nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated.

          Fold in the chopped dried fruits until evenly distributed within the mixture.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to ensure it sticks together. Use a spatula or your hands (wet them for easy handling) to pack it tightly across the surface.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

                Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes), then lift them out using the parchment overhang.

                  Cut into bars or squares of your desired size.

                    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling) | Servings: 12-16 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange granola bars on a decorative platter and drizzle a little bit of honey on top as a final touch. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper secured with twine for a lovely homemade gift!