Pin It Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
Homemade granola bars have become a staple in my kitchen because they're so much better than anything store-bought. I love mixing up the nuts and fruits depending on what I have, and my kids always look forward to finding these in their lunchboxes.
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
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt honey, peanut butter, and butter together. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Combine and Mix:
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer and Press:
- Press mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan using a spatula or measuring cup.
- Bake:
- Bake 18-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let cool completely, then lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
- Store:
- Keep in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
Pin It We enjoy making these together on weekends. Everyone picks their own mix-ins, and it's a great way for little hands to help with stirring and pressing. It's now our go-to snack for hikes and busy school days.
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. Always check labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar provides about 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin It Store extras in the freezer for grab-and-go convenience. These bars keep their chewy texture for days and are perfect for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What ingredients contribute to the bars' chewy texture?
The combination of rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and melted butter provides moisture and binding, resulting in a chewy texture.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version, and replace honey with maple syrup to make them vegan.
- → How should I store these bars for freshness?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- → What options are there for adding extra flavor?
Try including mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, flaxseed, or dried fruits like cranberries and raisins for varied taste and texture.
- → Is it necessary to line the baking pan with parchment paper?
Yes, parchment paper makes it easier to lift and remove the bars from the pan without sticking, ensuring clean cuts.