Save Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—they're perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I first started making these granola bars when my kids needed easy, homemade snacks to take to school. They quickly became a favorite in our home for their chewy texture and endless options for mix-ins.
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.
- Heat 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 and press:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. 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 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and slice:
- 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 My family loves getting involved by choosing their favorite mix-ins. We often make double batches so everyone has their own custom bars to enjoy during the week.
Required Tools
Use a 9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, large mixing bowl, small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts (or tree nuts), dairy (if using butter), and may contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Always check all ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 4 g
Save Homemade granola bars are a simple way to have healthy, portable snacks ready whenever hunger strikes. Enjoy their chewy texture and delicious flavors all week long.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients give the bars their chewy texture?
The combination of honey, nut butter, and butter creates a sticky, binding mixture that coats the oats and seeds, resulting in a chewy texture once baked.
- → Can I substitute nut butter for allergies?
Yes, sunflower seed butter can be used as a nut-free alternative to maintain similar texture and flavor.
- → How should I store the bars to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for extended freshness.
- → Are there vegan-friendly options for these bars?
Replacing honey with maple syrup and using a plant-based butter creates a vegan-friendly version.
- → What additions can enhance the nutritional value?
Incorporating shredded coconut or flaxseed boosts fiber and healthy fats for extra nutrition.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper for baking?
Using parchment paper helps with easy removal of the bars from the pan and ensures even baking without sticking.