Homemade Granola Bars Recipe
Homemade Granola Bars are the snack you’ve always wished you had on hand: chewy, crunchy, studded with chocolate, and satisfyingly wholesome. These bars come together in minutes—no baking required—and are endlessly customizable, which means you can create your ideal combination of flavors and textures. With a nourishing blend of oats, nut butter, crispy cereal, and fruity accents, this is the kind of treat you’ll want to make on repeat for weekday breakfasts, afternoon pick-me-ups, or healthy lunchbox boosters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of pantry staples can transform into something irresistible. Each ingredient plays a special role in making these bars perfectly chewy, crispy, and delicious. Here’s what you need, along with tips for getting the best results:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give the bars heartiness and a lovely chewy texture—don’t substitute quick oats, as they’re too fine.
- Crispy rice cereal: Brings a delightful crunch and keeps the bars light rather than dense.
- Creamy peanut butter: Binds the ingredients together with a savory depth; swap for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.
- Honey or maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars and helps them stick; maple syrup also keeps them vegan.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel richness and boost to the chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor, making the bars smell irresistible.
- Salt: A pinch brings out every flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Scattered throughout for creamy, melty bites in every square; use dairy-free chocolate if needed.
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts): For a nutty crunch and extra protein; leave them out for a nut-free option.
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots): Pops of color and natural sweetness—you can switch it up based on what you have in your pantry.
How to Make Homemade Granola Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. This small step ensures your bars will pop right out of the pan without sticking, and it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the mix-ins evenly—this is the base that creates all the wonderful texture in your Homemade Granola Bars!
Step 3: Make the Sweet Binder
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add your peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and brown sugar. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely smooth and just beginning to bubble around the edges. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This warm, fragrant mixture will be what binds all the crunchy bits together.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Immediately pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture in your bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir, folding and pressing until every bit of dry ingredients is coated and sticky. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes—this helps ensure the chocolate won’t melt in the next step.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Once the mixture has cooled a little (but is still pliable), gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. If you add them too soon, they’ll melt; waiting gives you those delicious pockets of chocolate in the finished bars.
Step 6: Press and Chill
Scrape the mixture into your prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula or your clean hands to firmly press it down into an even layer, making sure to reach the edges and corners. Pressing well ensures your Homemade Granola Bars will hold together once sliced. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm and set.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
When the mixture is fully chilled and firm, use the parchment to lift it out of the pan. Set it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares—whatever shape makes you happiest! Now they’re ready to eat or pack for on-the-go snacking.
How to Serve Homemade Granola Bars
Garnishes
For a bit of flair, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or drizzle with a little melted chocolate before chilling for a shiny, decadent look. A dusting of shredded coconut or a few extra dried fruit pieces pressed on top also add lovely color and texture.
Side Dishes
Homemade Granola Bars are perfect on their own, but they’re also fantastic alongside a cozy cup of coffee or tea. For a breakfast boost, pair them with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a filling, energizing meal that feels just a bit special.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for grab-and-go breakfast or snacks. Arrange them in a pretty basket for brunches, picnics, or lunchboxes, or layer pieces in a jar for a homemade food gift that shows you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, keep your Homemade Granola Bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life even longer—up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
To freeze, first wrap each granola bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months; simply take out a bar whenever you need a healthy snack in a hurry.
Reheating
No need to reheat the bars, as they’re perfect right from the fridge or freezer! But if you love a little warmth, let a frozen bar sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or microwave it for just 10–15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-from-the-pan chewiness.
FAQs
How do I make Homemade Granola Bars nut-free?
It’s easy! Simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread, and leave out the chopped nuts. You’ll still get tons of flavor and a great chewy texture.
Can I reduce the sugar in these bars?
Absolutely. You can cut the brown sugar in half or even leave it out, though your bars may be a bit less chewy. Try using more dried fruit or a tad more honey or maple syrup to keep things sweet and sticky.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats—they hold their shape and provide the ideal chew. Quick oats will make the bars too soft and a bit mushy, so they’re not recommended for this recipe.
What other add-ins can I use in Homemade Granola Bars?
There’s so much room to play! Try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds. White chocolate, toffee bits, or extra spices (like cinnamon) are wonderful options as well.
How do I keep my bars from falling apart?
Be sure to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, and let the bars chill thoroughly before slicing. Using enough “sticky” ingredients—like honey and nut butter—is also key for beautiful, sturdy Homemade Granola Bars.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Homemade Granola Bars! They make everyday snacking feel a little more special and a lot more delicious. Give them a try, get creative with your favorite add-ins, and let these bars become a new staple in your kitchen. Happy snacking!
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Homemade Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 10–12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack option that you can easily make at home. Packed with oats, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Combine oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped nuts, and dried fruit in a large bowl.
- Make the Binder: In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and brown sugar. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Combine: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Add chocolate chips.
- Set: Press the mixture into the pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Once set, slice into bars and store appropriately.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite add-ins like seeds, coconut flakes, or white chocolate.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and omit nuts.
- To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
