Pin Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey are the perfect treat for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes. With easy steps, simple ingredients, and customizable flavors, these bars make snack time delicious and nutritious.
I first made these granola bars when searching for a snack that would keep my family energized during hectic weeks. After many batches experimenting with different combinations, these chewy bars became a staple we all looked forward to enjoying together.
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
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
- Melt Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir honey, peanut butter, and butter until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Mix Together:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press Mixture:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake Bars:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Store Bars:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Pin My kids love grabbing these chewy bars as a quick breakfast or after-school snack. Sometimes, we make them together, letting everyone choose a favorite mix-in to add a personal touch to each batch.
Required Tools
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, a large mixing bowl, a small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains peanuts (or tree nuts), dairy if using butter, and may contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each granola bar contains about 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein, making them a balanced snack option.
Pin These homemade bars are perfect for school lunchboxes or afternoon pick-me-ups. Add your favorite extras for a batch that's truly your own.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, replace nuts with more seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
- → How do I store the granola bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer preservation.
- → Can I substitute the sweeteners?
Yes, maple syrup can replace honey to make the bars vegan-friendly without altering the texture significantly.
- → What baking pan size is needed?
A 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars.
- → Are there any recommended add-ins for extra nutrition?
Shredded coconut or flaxseed can be added to boost nutritional value and vary the flavor.