Homemade Granola Bars Barefoot Contessa
Bite into the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet with these Homemade Granola Bars inspired by Barefoot Contessa. Made with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned rolled oats, toasted almonds, and unsweetened shredded coconut, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey and a touch of light brown sugar. Each bar is studded with dried cranberries, apricots, and optional mini chocolate chips, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Packed with texture and nutrients, these granola bars come together in just 15 minutes of prep time and bake to a golden perfection. Whether you're looking for a make-ahead breakfast, a midday snack, or a trail-ready treat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that stores beautifully for up to a week. Indulge in this homemade healthy snack that's as easy to make as it is to love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup Sliced almonds
- 1 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
- 0.67 cup Honey
- 0.25 cup Light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup Chopped dried apricots
- 0.25 cup Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter.
Spread the oats, almonds, and shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Place in the oven and toast for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.
While the dry ingredients are toasting, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted and the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, almonds, and coconut with the saucepan mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the dry ingredients.
Fold in the dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, and mini chocolate chips (if using). Ensure everything is well mixed and coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to ensure the bars hold together when baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking as this will make the bars too hard.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the mixture to cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature or until fully set.
Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the granola slab out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 12 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate if you prefer them firmer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.2 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 21 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.7 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 53 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 279 mg | 6% | |
*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.
