These easy homemade chewy granola bars are the perfect wholesome on-the-go breakfast or after-school snack for kids and are much tastier and healthier than store-bought bars!
Packed with porridge oats, seeds, and dried fruit, these healthy breakfast bars take just minutes to make and bake!
The thing I love most about this easy granola bar recipe is that it's highly customisable and you can add in any number of different seeds, fruits, and nuts!
So whether you're seeking an energy boost to kick-start your day or a satisfying snack to curb those mid-afternoon hunger pangs, these homemade granola bars are the perfect solution.
Love oat bars? Try my easy sticky date flapjacks next!
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✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Control over Ingredients: When you make granola bars at home, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can select high-quality, wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. This allows you to customise the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, whether you're looking for gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free options.
- Healthier Alternative: Store-bought granola bars often contain added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. By making your own granola bars, you can create a healthier alternative. You can reduce the amount of sugar, choose healthier sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients like flaxseeds or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.
- Cost-effective: Making granola bars at home can be more cost-effective in the long run. While store-bought bars can be expensive, especially those with premium ingredients, homemade granola bars allow you to buy ingredients in bulk and make a larger batch at a fraction of the cost. This saves money while still providing you with a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Versatility and Variety: The beauty of homemade granola bars lies in their versatility. You can experiment with a wide range of ingredients, from different types of nuts and seeds to dried fruits, spices, and even superfood additions like matcha, flaxseed, or spirulina. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a variety of flavours and textures to keep your snacking experience exciting.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Butter- In granola bars, melted butter helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the overall flavour.
Light Brown Sugar - Light brown sugar is a type of sugar that contains molasses, which gives it a subtle caramel flavour. It adds sweetness and moisture to granola bars, enhancing their taste and texture.
Demerara Sugar - Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined cane sugar with large, golden-brown crystals. It has a slightly toffee-like flavour and adds a pleasant crunch to baked goods, including granola bars.
Honey - A natural sweetener it offers a distinct, sweet taste and acts as a binding agent. Honey also adds moisture and contributes to the chewiness of the bars.
Vanilla Extract - Enhances the overall taste by adding a hint of warmth and depth of flavour.
Porridge Oats - Also known as rolled oats, they provide a hearty texture and nutty flavour to granola bars, while also adding fibre and nutrients.
Pumpkin Seeds - In granola bars, pumpkin seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty taste, as well as an additional nutritional boost.
Sunflower Seeds - Packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein, sunflower seeds provide crunch and texture.
Dried Fruit - Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots are popular choices for adding sweetness and bursts of flavour to granola bars. Other dried fruit such as dates and sultanas could also be used.
🔪 Instructions
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: Melt the butter, sugars, honey and vanilla extract in a heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat.
Two: Take the pan off the heat and mix in the porridge oats, seeds and dried fruit.
Three: Spoon the mixture into a lined 20cm baking tin and level the top with a spoon or spatula.
Four: Bake in the oven for 18 minutes or until lightly golden (Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking). Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
💭 Expert tips
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper before adding the mixture. This not only prevents the bars from sticking, but also allows for easy removal and helps with even cooking.
- Ensure that all the ingredients, such as oats, seeds, and dried fruits, are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures that each bite of the granola bar is packed with a balanced combination of flavours and textures.
- When melting the butter and sweeteners, such as honey or brown sugar, make sure to heat them gently and stir until fully combined. This step helps create a cohesive mixture that binds the granola bars together.
- After transferring the mixture to the baking tin, use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it firmly and evenly. This compacting step ensures that the bars hold their shape and don't crumble when cut.
- Allow the granola bars to cool completely before cutting them into bars. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate the bars for a short time before slicing.
🍴 Serving suggestions
- On-the-Go Snack: Granola bars are perfect for a quick and convenient snack when you're on the go. Pack them in your bag or lunchbox for a satisfying treat during busy days or outdoor adventures.
- Breakfast Boost: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast by pairing a granola bar with a cup of yogurt or a piece of fruit. This combination provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre to fuel your morning.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: When you hit that afternoon slump, reach for a granola bar to rejuvenate your energy levels. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-day snack that keeps you going.
- Post-Workout Refuel: The combination of carbs and protein helps support muscle recovery and provides a satisfying refuel.
- Dessert Delight: Granola bars can also be a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. Serve them alongside a scoop of frozen yogurt, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate, or crumble them over a bowl of ice cream for a treat.
📖 Variations
- Almonds, walnuts or a mixed variety of chopped nuts will provide a nice crunch. Add a handful to your mixture.
- Add a decadent twist by mixing in dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips into the granola bar mixture.
- Create a tropical vibe by including dried tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or coconut flakes.
- For all the peanut butter enthusiasts, swirl in a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter into the mixture.
- Experiment with different dried berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or goji berries.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warming and comforting spice flavour.
- Amp up the protein content by incorporating protein powder or adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. This variation is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake.
- If you find your granola bars too dense, try adding some rice krispies to the mixture. These will help lighten the texture whilst still providing some substance.
🥡 Storage
Store - If you plan to consume the granola bars within a week, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container is fine. Ensure that the container has a tight seal to prevent air and moisture from affecting the bars' texture and taste.
Freeze - For long-term storage, you can freeze your granola bars. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost them at room temperature before enjoying.
❓ Frequently asked questions
To achieve a chewy texture in your granola bars, you should use ingredients like oats and dried fruits. These ingredients not only add texture but also provide a good balance of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can also include honey, golden syrup or other syrupy sweeteners, which help maintain the chewiness while binding the ingredients together.
Granola bars can be a healthy snack option when made with wholesome ingredients and limited added sugars. Choose ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for nutrients and fibre. Be mindful of the sweeteners you use, opting for natural options like honey, maple syrup, or fruit puree. While they can be a healthy option, it is essential to consume granola bars in moderation, as they can still be calorie-dense.
To maintain freshness, store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container. Keeping them in a cool, dry place will help prolong their shelf life. You can also wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, making them easier to grab and go.
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup if you prefer. Keep in mind that maple syrup has a slightly different taste, so it will impart a unique flavour to the bars.
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Recipe
Chewy Granola Bars
Equipment
- 20 cm (8'') Square Baking Tin
Ingredients
- 150 g Unsalted Butter
- 60 g Light Brown Sugar
- 60 g Demerara Sugar
- 80 ml Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 275 g Porridge Oats
- 80 g Seeds I used pumpkin seeds & sunflower seeds
- 100 g Dried Fruit chopped - I used apricots, raisins & cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°c (160 fan/ 350F/ Gas 4) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
- Melt the butter, sugars, honey and vanilla extract in a heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat.150 g Unsalted Butter, 60 g Light Brown Sugar, 60 g Demerara Sugar, 80 ml Honey, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in the porridge oats, seeds and dried fruit.275 g Porridge Oats, 80 g Seeds, 100 g Dried Fruit
- Spoon the mixture into a lined 20cm baking tin and level the top with a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 18 minutes or until lightly golden (Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking). Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper before adding the mixture. This not only prevents the bars from sticking, but also allows for easy removal and helps with even cooking.
- Ensure that all the ingredients, such as oats, seeds, and dried fruits, are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures that each bite of the granola bar is packed with a balanced combination of flavours and textures.
- When melting the butter and sweeteners, such as honey or brown sugar, make sure to heat them gently and stir until fully combined. This step helps create a cohesive mixture that binds the granola bars together.
- After transferring the mixture to the baking tin, use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it firmly and evenly. This compacting step ensures that the bars hold their shape and don't crumble when cut.
- Allow the granola bars to cool completely before cutting them into bars. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate the bars for a short time before slicing.
- Almonds, walnuts or a mixed variety of chopped nuts will provide a nice crunch. Add a handful to your mixture.
- Add a decadent twist by mixing in dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips into the granola bar mixture.
- Create a tropical vibe by including dried tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or coconut flakes.
- For all the peanut butter enthusiasts, swirl in a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter into the mixture.
- Experiment with different dried berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or goji berries.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warming and comforting spice flavour.
- Amp up the protein content by incorporating protein powder or adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. This variation is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
This was amazing and such a treat! Thank you! Everyone in my family loved it.
TAYLER ROSS
I'm always looking for new snack options for the kids (especially during summer) and these granola bars are perfect!
dana
These are fantastic! I love how easy they were to make and how nutritious. None of that extra filler or sugar.
Kim
Homemade granola bars are my favorite because I know exactly what is in them. So delicious!
Chenee
These were so easy to make ande everyone loved them. I'll definitely be making them again.