Save Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I first made these homemade granola bars to encourage healthier snacking during busy school weeks and found them a hit for both kids and adults. The combination of chewy oats and crunchy seeds kept everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3 cups, certified gluten-free if required
- Crispy rice cereal: 1 cup
- Raw sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup
- Chopped nuts: 1/2 cup (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup
- Dried fruit: 1/2 cup (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped
- 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 baking pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 9x13-inch 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 ground 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 mixtures:
- Pour the wet mixture over dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Press and bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly with spatula or bottom of measuring cup. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Storage:
- Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Save The first time I shared these bars with my family after soccer practice, my kids loved choosing their own mix-ins and it quickly became our go-to snack for busy afternoons.
Variations
Add shredded coconut, flaxseed, or substitute different dried fruits to vary flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pair granola bars with yogurt or fresh fruit for a more filling snack.
Nutrition Facts
Each bar contains approximately 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save With simple swaps and mix-ins, these bars fit nearly any diet. Enjoy them fresh or freeze extras for busy weeks ahead.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, substitute nuts with additional seeds like pumpkin or sunflower and swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- → What sweeteners work well in this mix?
Honey provides natural sweetness but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative that keeps the texture chewy.
- → How should I store the granola bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- → Can I add chocolate to these bars?
Yes, mini chocolate chips can be folded into the dry ingredients for a sweeter twist.
- → What baking pan size is recommended?
A 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper ensures easy removal and even baking.