Healthy Homemade Granola Bars (Print version)

Crunchy, chewy bars with oats, nuts, seeds, and honey. Perfect wholesome snack ready in 40 minutes.

# What you'll 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 make it:

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.
06 - Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press down very firmly with the back of a spatula or damp hands to pack the mixture tightly and evenly.
07 - Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top and gently press them in.
08 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
09 - 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 suggestions:

01 -
  • They actually hold together when you bite them thanks to the perfect ratio of sticky binder to crunchy oats
  • You can customize them endlessly based on whats in your pantry or what your family prefers
  • Making them costs about half of what you would pay for artisanal bars at the grocery store
02 -
  • Press the mixture into the pan much more firmly than you think is necessary or the bars will crumble
  • Let the toasted oats cool slightly before mixing or your chocolate chips will melt and you will lose those distinct chunks
  • These must chill completely before cutting or they will fall apart when you try to slice them
03 -
  • Use damp hands when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking
  • Let the pan sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices

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