Looking for a snack that’s chewy, crunchy, irresistibly delicious, and ridiculously easy to make? Your search ends here with these Homemade Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome oats, your favorite nuts, sticky-sweet honey, and just a hint of chocolate, they’re my absolute go-to for a midday pick-me-up or a grab-and-go breakfast. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth or fueling an adventure, these bars deliver on flavor, texture, and wholesome energy in every bite.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Granola Bars comes down to just a handful of pantry staples, each bringing something special to the mix. With the right blend of oats, nuts, and sweet binders, you’ll get crave-worthy bars with the perfect chew and a touch of crunch.

Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 1/2 cups): These form the heart of the bars, delivering hearty texture and satisfying whole-grain goodness.
Chopped nuts (1/2 cup – almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Nuts give a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein; feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Honey or maple syrup (1/3 cup): This acts as the main sweetener and binder for the bars, holding everything together with a gentle sweetness.
Nut butter (1/4 cup – peanut, almond, or cashew): Adds richness, creaminess, and protein, plus that irresistibly nutty flavor.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Infuses a subtle caramel note and helps bind the bars just right.
Coconut oil or unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps everything meld together and adds tenderness; coconut oil sneaks in a hint of tropical flair.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a cozy, aromatic sweetness to the mix.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the sweet flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Dried fruit (1/2 cup – raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots): Offers pops of tartness and chewy texture in every bite.
Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): For a little extra indulgence—because who can say no to chocolate?

How to Make Homemade Granola Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over for easy removal later. This simple trick makes it so much easier to get perfect bars out of the pan without any sticking!

Step 2: Mix Oats and Nuts

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the old-fashioned rolled oats along with your chopped nuts. Stir them together so the nuts are evenly distributed—this way, you’ll get plenty of crunchy goodness in every single bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Binder

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter of your choice, brown sugar, coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir as the mixture warms and starts to melt together. Once it’s smooth and just beginning to bubble at the edges, remove it from the heat. This warms things just enough to blend perfectly without turning anything grainy.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Pour the warm, sweet binder straight over your oats and nuts. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir until everything is fully coated and sticky. Add your dried fruit and—if you’re feeling a little decadent—a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips. Save a few chips to press into the top if you want them visible once the bars are set!

Step 5: Press and Set

Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula, or the bottom of a glass, to really press it down firmly. Don’t be shy—press hard so the bars will hold together once set. Pop the pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm. For those who like a slightly crispier texture, you can bake the bars at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes instead of chilling.

Step 6: Cut and Enjoy!

Once cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 12 even bars. Now comes the best part: taste-testing! Homemade Granola Bars are simply heavenly and will disappear fast, trust me.

How to Serve Homemade Granola Bars

Garnishes

Add a dash of fun with garnishes! Try drizzling your Homemade Granola Bars with extra melted chocolate or sprinkling with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo. A few extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top look beautiful and add more texture.

Side Dishes

For a balanced snack, pair a bar with a cup of Greek yogurt and a side of fresh berries. These bars also complement a mug of coffee or tea perfectly, making them ideal for breakfast or afternoon recharging.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap each bar in parchment and tie with kitchen twine for effortless lunchbox treats or edible gifts. Stack them on a platter lined with more parchment for a casual, rustic vibe at brunch. Or try cutting them into bite-sized pieces for a party snack board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Homemade Granola Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate instead, as the chocolate can melt or the bars might get soft.

Freezing

Homemade Granola Bars freeze beautifully! Layer them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months; just thaw for a few minutes at room temp before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like your granola bars slightly warm (especially if you baked yours), simply pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the bars just enough and brings out the flavors, all melty and gooey.

FAQs

Can I make these Homemade Granola Bars completely nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap the nuts for more seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) and use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter. The bars will still come out deliciously chewy.

What’s the best way to keep the bars from crumbling?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key. Also, make sure you’ve used enough sticky binder—honey or maple syrup and nut butter—so the oats and mix-ins hold together once chilled or baked.

Can I reduce the sugar or make these less sweet?

Definitely. Feel free to cut the brown sugar back or even skip it. The honey or maple syrup alone might be enough to bind; you can always add extra dried fruit for more natural sweetness.

How do I make Homemade Granola Bars vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey, swap dairy butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Every bite will still be full of flavor and energy!

Can I add protein powder or other mix-ins?

Yes! Homemade Granola Bars are wonderfully customizable. Mix in your favorite protein powder, chia or flax seeds, or even shredded coconut for a personalized protein-packed snack.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a wholesome, energizing bite with loads of flavor and texture, you honestly can’t go wrong with Homemade Granola Bars. They’re endlessly adaptable, simple to make, and delightful any time of day—so go ahead, whip up a batch and see why they’re a favorite in my kitchen and, soon, yours too!

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious homemade granola bars with this easy no-bake recipe. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit, making them a perfect healthy snack option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

Wet Ingredients:

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Extras:

1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Combine oats and nuts in a large bowl.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat and mix honey, nut butter, brown sugar, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Combine and Chill: Pour the warm mixture over oats and nuts. Add dried fruit and chocolate chips. Press into the pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Slice and Serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!