Craving a healthy snack that’s both delicious and energizing? These Healthy Granola Bars are the perfect solution!

Packed with nutritious oats, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and enriched with nut butter, these bars offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

you’re looking for a pre-workout snack, a breakfast on-the-go, or a midday energy boost, these granola bars are versatile and easy to make.

Ingredients List

Creating these granola bars requires just a few wholesome ingredients. Let’s break them down:

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
  • ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup/agave)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Your Pan

Start by preparing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides. This will make it easy to lift out the granola bars once they’ve set.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats with your chosen mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts). This will give your granola bars a delightful variety of textures and flavors. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

3. Heat Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan, melt the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup/agave) together over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Stir again to incorporate these ingredients into the mixture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry oat mixture in your large bowl. Stir everything together until the oats are completely coated. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined for even texture throughout the bars.

Pressing, Chilling & Cutting the Granola Bars

With your ingredients mixed and ready to go, the next step is to shape your granola bars and let them set. This is where the magic happens, transforming your mixture into firm and delicious bars that are perfect for snacking.

5. Press the Mixture into the Pan

Now that everything is mixed together, transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture down firmly and evenly. This step is important because it ensures the bars will hold together when cut. Make sure the mixture is packed tightly to prevent the bars from falling apart later.

6. Chill the Bars

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the mixture chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the bars to set properly, making them firm enough to cut into individual servings. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the dish in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes for a quicker set.

Slicing and Serving the Granola Bars

7. Slice and Serve

After the bars have chilled and set, remove them from the fridge using the parchment paper. Place them on a clean surface and cut them into 10-12 even bars using a sharp knife. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or an on-the-go breakfast.

8. Serve Fresh or Store for Later

These granola bars are best enjoyed fresh but can easily be stored for later. For maximum freshness, store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

healthy granola bars

Poppy
Craving a healthy snack that’s both delicious and energizing? These Healthy Granola Bars are the perfect solution!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Desserts
Servings 10
Calories 225 kcal

Ingredients
  

Wet

  • ½ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
  • cup honey (or maple syrup/agave)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Dry

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts)

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats with your chosen ½ cup of mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or nuts). Mix well to evenly distribute.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the ½ cup of nut butter and ⅓ cup of honey (or maple syrup/agave) together, stirring until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the melted nut butter mixture over the dry oat mixture. Stir until all the oats are fully coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
  • Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm enough to cut.
  • Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into 10-12 bars.
  • Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Keyword healthy granola bars

Conclusion

These Healthy Granola Bars are a perfect blend of simplicity, taste, and nutrition. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a snack that’s both energizing and satisfying.

The best part? They’re customizable, allowing you to mix in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a touch of chocolate.

By following this easy recipe, you’ll have a batch of delicious granola bars ready to enjoy in no time. Plus, they’re great for meal prep, meaning you’ll always have a healthy snack on hand!

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