Save Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey are perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes. These homemade bars offer a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your day, whether for breakfast or as an on-the-go treat.
I first made these granola bars to send with my kids for their school lunches, and now they request them every week. Their chewy texture and the right balance of sweet and savory have made them a family staple in our lunchboxes and snack jars.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3 cups for hearty structure
- Crispy rice cereal: 1 cup for light crunch
- Raw sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup for flavor and nutrients
- Chopped nuts: 1/2 cup (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans), adds texture
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup for a sweet touch
- Dried fruit: 1/2 cup (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped, for natural sweetness
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to enhance flavor
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon for warmth
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 cup to bind and sweeten
- Creamy peanut butter or almond butter: 1/2 cup for moisture and richness
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup for tender bars
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for aromatic flavor
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Combine oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Stir well.
- Heat wet ingredients:
- Melt honey, peanut butter, and butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract.
- Combine and stir:
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients in the bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Shape and bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly with a spatula or bottom of measuring cup. Bake 18-20 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment paper, then slice into bars.
- Store:
- Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week, or freeze for longer.
Save This recipe has become a Saturday morning ritual in our house, with everyone mixing and pressing their favorite add-ins before enjoying the bars together. Sharing these made-from-scratch snacks reminds us how satisfying homemade treats can be.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, large mixing bowl, small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts (or tree nuts), dairy (if using butter), and may contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 4 g (per bar)
Save Enjoy these homemade granola bars as a handy snack or quick breakfast. Stash extras in the freezer for healthy bites all week long!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, replace chopped nuts with additional seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- → How can I make a vegan version?
Substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based butter alternative to keep these bars vegan-friendly.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer preservation.
- → Can I add other ingredients for extra nutrition?
Yes, shredded coconut or flaxseed can be mixed in to boost the nutritional profile and add texture variations.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be, if using certified gluten-free oats and ensuring all ingredients are free from gluten contamination.
- → What baking pan size is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper is ideal for even cooking and easy bar removal.