Healthy Homemade Granola Bars (Printable Version)

Crunchy, chewy bars loaded with oats, nuts, seeds, and honey for a wholesome anytime snack.

# What You Need:

→ Base

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)

→ Binding & Sweetener

05 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
06 - 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
07 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Add-ins

10 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)
11 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
12 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

# How-To:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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 (if using). Stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips, reserving a small handful of chips for topping if desired.
05 - Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press down very firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands (dampened, if needed) to pack the mixture tightly and evenly.
06 - Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top and gently press them in.
07 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. 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 Hints:

01 -
  • They strike that perfect balance between chewy and crispy that most homemade bars miss completely
  • You can customize them with whatever nuts seeds or dried fruits are languishing in your pantry
  • They actually hold together when you bite them instead of crumbling all over your lap like some tragic granola disaster
02 -
  • Pressing the mixture into the pan firmly is absolutely critical or you'll have granola crumbles not bars
  • Letting them cool completely before cutting prevents them from falling apart which I learned the messy way
  • The honey mixture firms up fast so work quickly once it's combined with the dry ingredients
03 -
  • Toast your nuts and oats even if it seems like an extra step because that toasted flavor is what makes these taste bakery quality
  • Use the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan it creates the most even compact layer

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