Homemade Granola Bars

Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.

The first time I made these homemade granola bars my kids begged for more. Not only are they a lifesaver in lunchboxes, but they also disappear quickly whenever friends come over for playdates.

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

Prepare the pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Combine wet ingredients:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Combine wet and dry:

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

Press mixture into pan:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.

Bake:

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or 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:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Save It

One batch of these chewy granola bars has become a weekly ritual in our kitchen. Everyone looks forward to slicing them together and picking their favorite mix-in combo.

Required Tools

Essential for this recipe are a 9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, a large mixing bowl, a small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula.

Allergen Information

The bars contain peanuts (or other tree nuts), dairy if you use butter, and may contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Be sure to check all labels to avoid allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each granola bar contains about 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Save It

Granola bars keep perfectly wrapped for grab-and-go breakfasts or an afternoon pick-me-up. Make a double batch to freeze some for busy weeks ahead.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What ingredients give the bars their chewy texture?

Rolled oats combined with peanut butter and honey help create a moist and chewy consistency in the bars.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substituting honey with maple syrup makes these bars suitable for a vegan diet.

→ How do I ensure the bars hold together well?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking pan before baking helps the bars retain their shape after cooling.

→ What are good nut-free alternatives in the bars?

You can replace nuts with additional seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.

→ How should I store the granola bars?

Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for extended storage.

→ Can I add extra flavors or ingredients?

Shredded coconut or flaxseed can be incorporated for added nutrition and flavor variations.