Save Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I started making homemade granola bars to keep quick snacks on hand for busy weeks, and now my family requests them every time I pack a lunch or we head out for a road trip.
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
- Prepare pan and oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking 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 cinnamon. Mix well.
- Combine 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 the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press and bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Save My kids love to help press the mixture in the pan, and everyone gets excited to choose their favorite add-ins each time we bake a batch together.
Swaps and Add-Ins
Add shredded coconut, flaxseed, or substitute pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips
Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze on a lined tray before transferring to a zipped bag for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pair granola bars with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast or snack on the go.
Save These granola bars are a staple in our house, and you'll love how easy they are to adapt to everyone's tastes!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, you can replace the nuts with additional seeds like pumpkin or sunflower and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
- → Is it possible to make these without honey?
Maple syrup can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, providing a similar sweetness and binding effect.
- → How should these bars be stored?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer shelf life.
- → Can I add other ingredients to customize the bars?
Yes, options like shredded coconut or flaxseed can be added to boost nutrition and texture.
- → What baking equipment is needed?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowl, saucepan, measuring tools, and a spatula.