Healthy Homemade Granola Bars (Printer-Friendly)

Wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds combined with honey for the perfect crunchy-chewy snack. Ready in under an hour.

# 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

→ 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
11 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
12 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Spread oats, almonds, and walnuts on baking sheet. Toast in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
03 - In 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 large mixing bowl, combine toasted oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut if using. Stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips, reserving small handful for topping.
05 - Pour warm peanut butter mixture over dry ingredients. Mix well until evenly coated. Transfer to prepared pan and press down very firmly with back of spatula or dampened hands to pack tightly.
06 - Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top and gently press in. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
07 - Lift out of pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They actually hold together when you bite them, no more trail mix in your lap
  • The sweet spot between crunchy edges and chewy centers that makes store bought versions seem like cardboard
02 -
  • Press the mixture into the pan much harder than you think necessary, or they will crumble when you try to cut them
  • Let the oat mixture cool slightly before adding the chocolate, or the chips will melt and disappear into the bars
03 -
  • Use certified gluten free oats if that matters to you, regular oats can have cross contamination
  • Wait until the mixture has cooled for about 5 minutes before adding your mix ins so the chocolate keeps its shape

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