How to Make Homemade Granola Bars from Scratch

Simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor—homemade granola bars are the perfect snack!

Why Make Your Own Granola Bars?

Store-bought granola bars can be convenient, sure. But have you ever glanced at the ingredient list? Preservatives, hidden sugars, and mystery oils. Yikes! Making granola bars at home allows you to control every single ingredient, ensuring they're nutritious, tasty, and free of unnecessary additives. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to whip them up yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds—your choice!)
• 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of nut butter (peanut, almond, or even sunflower seed butter works great)
• 1/3 cup of dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to toast the oats and nuts. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step is optional but gives your bars a deeper, nuttier flavor.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to let it boil; you just want a silky mixture.
3. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, dried fruits, and any optional add-ins. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
4. Press into a pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the granola mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spatula or your hands. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut.
6. Slice and enjoy: Once chilled, remove the block of granola from the pan and cut it into bars or squares. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week—or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips and Tricks

Want chewy bars? Use more honey and less dry ingredients. Prefer a crunchy texture? Add an extra handful of oats. The beauty of homemade granola bars is their flexibility—don’t be afraid to experiment!

For a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Allergic to nuts? Use sunflower seed butter and replace nuts with seeds.

Homemade granola bars are a game-changer. Whether you're fueling a hike, packing a lunchbox, or simply craving a wholesome snack, these bars have you covered. Happy snacking!