Wondering how to make healthy homemade granola bars? These are simple to put together, no bake and ultra chewy – this is the best easy granola bar recipe you’ve been waiting for!
Raise your hand if you love granola bars!
Granola bars are one of my favorite snacks/emergency breakfasts/I-will-not-make-it-to-dinner fixes.
But also, granola bars are usually individually wrapped AND full of sugar (which makes me nauseous in my currently pregnant state) – two things I’m trying to avoid right now.
Which is why, tadaa, I figured I’d start making my own healthy snack bars again.
And thus, this Healthy Homemade Granola Bar recipe was born.
These are so easy to make. No bake!! And after a little chillin’ they turn into the BEST chewy granola bars, ever.
And kind of easier than energy bites (though I do love those, too!) – no rolling or using the food processor. Energy BARS for the win ??
Full of healthy fats, fiber and just the right amount of sweetness? Our new favorite meal prep snack!
How to make granola bars:
Since these are no bake granola bars, all you have to do is mix the dry ingredients.
Warm the liquid ingredients and stir into the dry ingredients… Then spread in a lined pan and chill.
Cut into bars and that’s it!
Tips for the best homemade granola bars, ever:
Don’t heat the liquid ingredients too much.
You just need the get the liquid ingredients warmed enough so they’re combined and easily poured into the dry ingredients.
If you heat them too much/boil them, they could ball up and become weirdly dry and brittle.
What if the mix doesn’t seem to come together?
Since this is such a sticky mess, haha!, it can be a little hard to mix the liquid ingredients all the way into the dry ingredients.
You might have to use clean, slightly damp hands to get everything totally mixed up. It’s way easier than fighting with a wooden spoon ?
Switch them up to your taste:
You can alter these in so many ways to make them perfect for you!
- switch up the fruit/nuts, just make sure you chop them
- keep them gluten free granola bars by making sure the oats (and all other ingredients) are certified gluten free
- make vegan energy bars by using ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey – you might need to add an extra ¼ cup of oats because honey tends to be thicker than maple syrup
- not a fan of chocolate chips in your granola bar? Leave them out or use taco nibs instead
How to store these homemade chewy granola bars:
These are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge, layers separated with parchment paper.
These bars keep well for 1-2 weeks in the fridge, or for a month in the freezer. I mean, if you manage to make them last that long ?
They are fine to take with you in your purse for a few hours, make sure you pack them into a container though – they do soften at room temperature.
Get the printable recipe for these healthy homemade granola bars here:
Printable recipe
Healthy Homemade Granola Bars
Recipe details
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips OR cacao nibs
- ¼ cup ground flax
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds optional for an extra boost in nutrients
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Liquid Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter I use an all-natural one
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Line the bottom and sides of an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can easily lift out the bars later.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir the liquid ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Evenly spread the mix in the prepared pan and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Cut into bars and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, or in the freezer for 1 month.
Terri says
Just as promised-chewy and delicious! I didn’t have pecans but used walnuts instead.
Nora says
Happy to hear it, Terri!
Diane says
I have made these many times. They are delicious! I change up the cranberries sometimes with raisins or dates or a combination of all 3. I also used unsalted mixed nuts instead of just pecans. This recipe is a keeper!
Anita says
Made this recipe l love it did it with apricots as didn’t have cranberries put some seasame seeds as didn’t have all ingredients l did one half with plain chocolate other plain on top
Nora says
I’m so glad, Anita!
Estie says
Just loved them
Nora Rusev says
I’m so glad, Estie!