Granola Bars

Looking for a wholesome snack that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make? These granola bars are the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and naturally sweet. Made with real ingredients like oats, honey, and peanut butter, they deliver long-lasting energy—whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, a school lunchbox filler, or a mid-afternoon boost. Forget the store-bought versions—these homemade bars are fresher, more flavorful, and fully customizable to your taste!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with no baking required.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats, nuts, and seeds for natural energy.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins—dried fruits, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.
• Perfect Anytime: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or healthy meal prep.
• Chewy & Satisfying: Just the right balance of sweetness and texture.

Unlike many versions that fall apart or become too hard, these bars strike the perfect chewy consistency thanks to the warm honey–peanut butter base that binds everything together beautifully.

Ingredients Needed

For the Base

• ½ cup (120g) natural peanut butter – smooth and well-stirred (or swap for almond or cashew butter).
• ½ cup (175g) honey – acts as both sweetener and binder.

Add-Ins (3½ cups total – mix and match)

• 1½ cups rolled oats – the hearty foundation.
• 1 cup sultanas (golden raisins) – for chewy sweetness.
• ¼ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut – adds subtle texture.
• ½ cup chopped almonds – lightly toasted for extra crunch.
• ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) – for nutty balance and nutrition.
• 2 tbsp white sesame seeds – add a delicate, toasty flavor.
• ⅛ tsp salt – enhances sweetness and flavor depth.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – warm spice to tie it all together.

Tip: You can replace part of the add-ins with mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds for your own signature blend.

How to Make Granola Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Add-Ins

In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the oats, sultanas, coconut, almonds, pepitas, sesame seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well with a wooden spoon to evenly distribute all the textures and flavors.

Step 2: Make the Binding Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until smooth and glossy.
As soon as tiny bubbles appear around the edges, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken to a caramel-like consistency—thick enough that when you drag your spatula across the bottom, it briefly holds its shape before closing in again.
Don’t walk away—the mixture can burn quickly!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Immediately pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly using your wooden spoon (it’ll take a bit of effort). If it starts to stiffen too much, microwave the bowl for 20 seconds to loosen it, then mix again until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

Step 4: Press and Set

Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking tin with parchment paper. Spoon the granola mixture into the pan and press it firmly into an even layer—use the back of the spoon or your hands (you can cover it with parchment to prevent sticking).
💡 Tip: The firmer you press, the chewier and more compact your bars will be.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely firm. Lift out the slab using the parchment paper and cut into 10 bars (cut in half, then each half into 5 even pieces). Store them chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve: Perfect as a snack, pre-workout boost, or lunchbox treat. Pair with yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
• Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or at room temperature for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Individually wrap bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

Helpful Notes

• For vegan bars: Swap honey with maple syrup or brown rice syrup.
• For extra crunch: Toast the oats and nuts lightly before mixing.
• To reduce sweetness: Use half honey and half unsweetened nut butter, then add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
• Texture tip: Press the mixture very firmly if you prefer chewy bars, more loosely for a softer texture.

Conclusion

These granola bars are the ultimate make-ahead snack—wholesome, naturally sweetened, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Whether you pack them for work, school, or road trips, they’ll keep you energized and satisfied every time.

If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below—I’d love to hear your favorite add-ins!
✨ What’s your go-to mix? Dried fruit, chocolate, or nuts? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these granola bars without peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute any nut or seed butter—almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work perfectly.

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

They are naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check your packaging if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Why are my granola bars falling apart?

That usually happens if the binding syrup wasn’t thick enough or if the mixture wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the pan. Make sure the honey–nut butter mixture reaches a thick caramel stage before mixing.

Can I bake these bars instead of chilling them?

Yes. For a crispier version, bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 15–18 minutes, then cool completely before cutting.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Just let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the chips so they don’t melt.