Save to Pinterest Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
Growing up, I loved making snacks with my family and these homemade granola bars have become a staple in our lunchboxes and snack rotation because everyone can pick their favorite mix-ins.
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:
- 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.
- Melt 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:
- 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 slice:
- 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 to Pinterest Making these bars together on weekends is a cherished family tradition, and everyone loves picking out their favorite add-ins.
Flavor Variations
Try shredded coconut, chia seeds, or flaxseed for a nutrition boost, or switch up nut butters for new flavors.
Storage Tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months for grab-and-go snacks.
Allergen & Nutritional Info
These bars contain peanuts or tree nuts, and dairy if using butter. To make gluten-free, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. Each bar has 185 calories, 8 g fat, 25 g carbs, and 4 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Whip up a batch of these homemade granola bars and enjoy wholesome, customizable snacks anytime you need an energy boost!
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients add crunch to these granola bars?
Crispy rice cereal, sunflower seeds, and chopped nuts contribute a delightful crunch to the bars.
- → Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup works as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, providing similar sweetness and moisture.
- → How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal once baked and cooled.
- → Are these bars suitable for nut-free diets?
To make nut-free bars, replace the nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- → How should I store the granola bars for freshness?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer preservation.
- → Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
Yes, mini chocolate chips can be mixed into the dry ingredients for a touch of sweetness and flavor variation.