Homemade Granola Bars
Whip up a batch of wholesome, chewy, and irresistibly delicious homemade granola bars with this simple recipe! Packed with heart-healthy rolled oats, crunchy nuts, and naturally sweet dried fruits, these portable treats are bound together with gooey honey (or maple syrup) and creamy nut butter for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Lightly toasting the oats and nuts elevates their nutty aroma, while optional chocolate chip toppings add a touch of indulgence. Ready in just 20 minutes of active prep and made with pantry staples, these no-bake granola bars are a customizable snack that's perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or on-the-go energy boosts. Plus, they're freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience. Healthy, homemade, and satisfying—your snack game just found its new favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rolled oats
- 1 cup Chopped nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 cup Dried fruit (e.g. cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
- 0.33 cup Honey or maple syrup
- 0.33 cup Peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.33 cup Mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Spread the rolled oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly runny, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts, along with the dried fruit. Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top and press them into the mixture slightly.
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the granola bars are set.
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the granola slab out of the dish. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 12 evenly sized bars.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2919 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.8 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 986 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 381.2 g | 139% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.0 g | 157% | |
| Total Sugars | 204.1 g | ||
| Protein | 70.6 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2751 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
