Irresistible Homemade Granola Bars
These Irresistible Homemade Granola Bars are easy to make, healthy, and perfect for anyone looking for a snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy them any time of day—whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats use gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola bars
- 1/2 cup nut butter peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted (or butter for richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or apricots
- 1/4 cup seeds sunflower seeds or chia seeds
- 1/4 cup nuts optional; almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine nut butter, honey, and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth and well combined, then add vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix oats, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm.
- Press the Mixture into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and press it firmly into the pan with a spatula.
- Bake the Granola Bars: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overbaking: Granola bars can become too crunchy if baked too long. Keep an eye on them and remove when the edges start to brown.
- Not Pressing the Mixture Firmly: If the mixture isn’t compacted, the bars may fall apart after baking. Press down firmly!
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slices.