If you're looking for a simple, wholesome snack you can feel good about eating, these Homemade Granola Bars are a must-try! Packed with oats, nut butter, and your favorite mix-ins, they offer the perfect balance of chewy texture and natural sweetness. This recipe is ideal for meal prep, travel snacks, or quick grab-and-go bites throughout the week. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars—plus you can customize every batch to your taste.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins (no-bake)
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup crisp rice cereal (optional but adds crunch)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or a mix
- Optional add-ins: chia seeds, flax seeds, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds
Directions
- Prepare the pan:
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the bars out once set. - Warm the binder:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. - Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, rice cereal, and salt. Add any mix-ins such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit (save chocolate chips for after cooling to prevent melting). - Combine:
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. If adding chocolate chips, let the mixture cool 5–7 minutes before stirring them in. - Press into pan:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down very firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. This is crucial—if not pressed tightly, the bars may crumble. - Chill & cut:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Lift the slab out using parchment edges and slice into bars.
Best Practices & Tips
- For firmer bars: add 1–2 tablespoons more honey or coconut oil.
- For softer, chewier bars: reduce oats by ¼ cup.
- Avoid crumbly bars: really press the mixture tightly before chilling.
- Make them gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats.
- Make them vegan: use maple syrup and plant-based chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 185
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
These Homemade Granola Bars are easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, homemade snack without the processed ingredients found in packaged bars. Whether you prefer chocolatey, fruity, nutty, or high-protein variations, this recipe gives you countless ways to make it your own. Keep a batch in your fridge for busy mornings, school lunches, or post-workout energy. Once you try these fresh, chewy bites, you’ll never want to buy store-bought granola bars again!
