Healthy Homemade Granola Bars (Printable)

Crunchy, chewy wholesome oat bars with nuts, seeds, and honey naturally sweetened.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup chopped almonds
03 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
04 - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
05 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

→ Binding & Sweetener

06 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
08 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Optional Add-ins

11 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
12 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
02 - Spread the oats, almonds, and walnuts on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut. Stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips, reserving a small handful of chips for topping.
05 - Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared pan and press down very firmly with a spatula to pack tightly.
06 - Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top and press gently. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
07 - Lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture strikes that perfect balance between crunchy edges and chewy centers
  • You can customize the add-ins based on whatever is in your pantry
  • They actually keep you full without that weird processed aftertaste
02 -
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is the difference between bars that hold together and crumbs
  • Let them cool completely before removing from the pan or they will crumble apart
  • These bars must be stored in the refrigerator because the coconut softens at room temperature
03 -
  • Dampen your hands slightly with water before pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking
  • Score the bars lightly with a knife after chilling for 30 minutes then cut completely after they are fully set

Return