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Homemade Granola Bars Recipe | Healthy & Easy Snack Idea

I recently found myself craving the chewy granola bars I loved as a kid, filled with oats, nuts, and a touch of chocolate. Since I don’t usually buy pre-packaged snacks, I decided to make my own at home. Honestly, it turned out even better than I remembered!

These homemade granola bars recipe are perfectly chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough, making them an ideal snack or breakfast treat. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. Here’s how you can make them too.

If you enjoy making easy snacks at home, you might also love trying the Jalapeno Popper Bagels Recipe for a savory twist. Here’s how you can make these granola bars too.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious granola bars:

1 cup natural peanut or cashew butter – Acts as a binder and adds protein and healthy fats. I prefer smooth, runny nut butter for easy mixing.
2 1⁄2 cups whole rolled oats – Gives a chewy texture. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
⅔ cup honey – Sweetens and helps hold everything together. I love the warm, amber flavor it adds.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavor.
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips – Adds little bursts of chocolate. Mini chips work best; finely chopped dark chocolate works too.
⅓ cup pepitas, crushed peanuts, or cashews – Adds crunch, protein, and healthy fats.

Note: Serves 8

Variations

You can customize these bars to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Swap chocolate chips for raisins, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.
Use maple syrup or brown rice syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
Add sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce honey slightly or use unsweetened nut butter.

You can also enjoy similar hearty comfort recipes like Shepherds Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for a family dinner.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

8×8 inch baking pan – For shaping and chilling the bars.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
Mixing bowl – To combine wet and dry ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the peanut or cashew butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined. The mixture will be smooth and aromatic, making your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas. The mixture may look dry at first, but keep stirring until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Press into Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Scoop the mixture into the pan and cover with another sheet of parchment. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup to smooth the top.

Step 4: Chill the Bars

Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour. This step is crucial to make the bars firm and chewy. Once chilled, slice them into 8 bars and enjoy.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I always use runny nut butter; it helps bind the bars perfectly.
Don’t rush the chilling process; the bars hold together better when fully chilled.
I line the bars with parchment between layers when storing to prevent sticking.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the oats before mixing—they taste amazing.
I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and depth of flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

These bars are versatile! Serve them as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or in a lunchbox. I like to drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for a pretty presentation, or sprinkle with extra pepitas. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for parties or snack platters.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per bar:

Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 12g

These values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge; they stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 2 months. I like to wrap individual bars in parchment before freezing.

Reheating: Eat chilled or let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes—they soften nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these granola bars are a must-try:

Easy to prepare – Only a few simple steps and minimal ingredients.
Customizable – Swap nuts, seeds, and sweeteners to suit your taste.
Healthy and filling – Packed with protein, oats, and healthy fats.
Kid-friendly – My kids love the chewy texture and chocolate bursts.
Perfect snack anytime – Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or on-the-go.

These homemade granola bars are a quick, tasty, and wholesome snack that you can feel good about eating. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought bars!

Ben Carraoli