Homemade Granola Bars
The Best Homemade Granola Bars are chewy and soft, packed with protein, and an easy-to-make recipe that is way better than store-bought. My kids love to help make these homemade granola bars and they are perfect for freezing and sending in lunch boxes or for quick after-school snacks!
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, peanuts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins (Add 3/4 to 1 cup total of any combination of the following)
- miniature chocolate chips
- toasted coconut flakes
- dried cranberries
- miniature M&M's
- chopped Oreos
- white chocolate chips
- dried blueberries
- dried apples
- dried apricots
- caramel bits
- Rice Krispies
- dried pineapple
- dried mango
- seeds pumpkin, chia, sunflower, hemp, flax
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the oats and nuts in an even layer on the baking sheet, then bake for 4 minutes. Stir and bake for another 4 minutes until toasted. Remove from oven.2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, butter, brown sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until smooth. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil. Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.1/3 cup honey, 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts with the honey mixture. Stir in any other mix-ins that won't melt like coconut or dried fruit. Let cool for 15 minutes before adding any chocolate chips or mini M&M's.miniature chocolate chips, toasted coconut flakes, dried cranberries, miniature M&M's, chopped Oreos, white chocolate chips, dried blueberries, dried apples, dried apricots, caramel bits, Rice Krispies, dried pineapple, dried mango, seeds
- Line a square pan with parchment paper or foil, then press the granola mixture firmly into the pan by placing a piece of parchment paper on top and pressing down or using a rubber spatula.
- Sprinkle extra miniature chocolate chips or other mix-ins on top, if desired, and press them in.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, then let the bars sit on the counter for 10 minutes before cutting into 12 rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or on the counter for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
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