Indulge in the delightful taste and nutritious goodness of homemade granola bars! Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or an on-the-go energy boost, these bars are a delicious and healthy treat for the whole family. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll be whipping up batches of these scrumptious granola bars in no time.

Overhead shot of homemade granola bars wrapped in parchment paper on a plate

Why You'll Love This Homemade Snack

Quick and Easy. Ready in just a few simple steps, these are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snack cravings.
Customizable. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Add nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Healthy and Nutritious. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and nuts, these granola bars provide a satisfying dose of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Portable and Convenient. Perfect for on-the-go snacking, these granola treats are ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, hikes, or road trips.

With their irresistible taste, customizable flavors, and nutritional benefits, homemade granola bars are the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you're fueling up for a busy day or satisfying your sweet tooth, these delicious bars are sure to become a new favorite

Are Homemade Granola Bars Good?

Yes, homemade granola bars are incredibly delicious and nutritious! Unlike store-bought versions that may contain artificial additives and preservatives, these homemade bars are made with wholesome ingredients and customizable flavors. Plus, they're a great way to control the amount of sugar and other additives in your snacks.

Are Granola Bars Healthy?

Granola bars can be a healthy snack option when chosen wisely and enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Look for add-in options that are wholesome, lower in added sugars, and provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients.

Ingredients You'll Need

Rolled Oats- The base ingredient for the granola bars, rolled oats provide a hearty texture and fiber-rich goodness.
Honey or Maple Syrup- Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup add sweetness and help bind the ingredients together.
Nut Butter- Choose your favorite nut butter, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, for added flavor and protein.
Nuts and Seeds- Add a crunchy texture and nutritional boost with a mix of nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Dried Fruit- For a touch of natural sweetness and chewiness, include dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates.
Vanilla Extract- Enhance the flavor of the bars with a splash of pure vanilla extract.
Salt- A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Optional Add-Ins- Get creative and customize your granola bars with additional ingredients like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, cinnamon, or chia seeds.

How To Make Granola Bars

Prepare the Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and any optional add-ins. Stir to combine.
Make the Binder. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and nut butter over low heat until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Pour the melted honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed.
Press into Pan. Transfer the mixture to a lined baking dish or pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
Chill and Cut. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the granola bars to set. Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into bars or squares.
Store and Enjoy. Store the granola bars in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled for an extra refreshing treat.

Close up shot of homemade granola bars wrapped with parchment paper

Tips And Tricks

Making homemade granola bars allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips and tricks for making them delicious and nutritious:

Press Firmly into the Pan. Press the granola mixture firmly into the baking pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps compact the ingredients and prevents the granola bars from falling apart once they're baked.
Chill Before Cutting. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bars. For best results, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps firm up the bars and makes them easier to cut into neat, uniform pieces.

Variations

Homemade granola bars are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with a wide range of ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Nutty Delight- Add a variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews to your granola bar mixture for extra crunch and protein. You can also include nut butter for added richness and flavor.
Fruity Bliss- Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, or blueberries into your granola bars for natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor. You can also use fresh fruits like mashed banana or applesauce as a binder.
Chocolate Lover's Dream- Stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or chocolate chunks to satisfy your chocolate cravings. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top of your granola bars for an extra decadent touch.

What To Enjoy With Granola Bars

Granola bars are a versatile and convenient snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious options to enjoy with them:

Fresh Fruit- Pair your granola bars with slices of fresh fruit like apples, bananas, strawberries, or grapes for a refreshing and nutritious snack combination.
Yogurt- Enjoy them with a side of yogurt, either on its own or as part of a yogurt parfait. The creamy texture of the yogurt complements the crunchy granola bars perfectly.
Smoothies- Blend up a delicious smoothie using your favorite fruits, leafy greens, and a splash of milk or yogurt. Enjoy your smoothie alongside a granola bar for a balanced and satisfying snack.

How Long Do They Last?

Homemade granola bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze homemade granola bars for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a resealable freezer bag or container.

To enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.

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