Simple Chewy Granola Bars
Whip up a batch of homemade goodness with these Simple Chewy Granola Bars—a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and irresistible texture. Made with hearty rolled oats, crunchy nuts, a hint of sweetness from honey and brown sugar, and an optional sprinkle of chocolate chips, these bars are entirely customizable to your taste. The recipe features a quick prep time of just 10 minutes, with a no-fuss no-bake assembly (aside from a quick oat toasting) that ensures these irresistible treats come together easily. Packed with protein from peanut butter and the natural chewiness of dried fruits, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout snacks, or a lunchbox treat. Best of all, they stay fresh for weeks—though they rarely last that long! Whether you’re meal prepping or simply craving a nutritious homemade snack, these chewy granola bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds or mixed nuts (chopped)
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup dried fruits (chopped, e.g., cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
- 0.33 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Spread the rolled oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. This enhances their flavor. Let them cool slightly.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the brown sugar has dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips (if using). Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This will help the bars stick together.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture sets and becomes firm.
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the granola square out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice 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.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3004 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 142.5 g | 183% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.0 g | 135% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1158 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 389.3 g | 142% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.6 g | 152% | |
| Total Sugars | 226.2 g | ||
| Protein | 81.6 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 427 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 3114 mg | 66% | |
*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.
