This homemade chewy granola bar recipe is the perfect wholesome on-the-go breakfast or after-school snack for kids. These bars are much tastier and healthier than store-bought ones! Packed with porridge oats, seeds, and dried fruit, these easy oat breakfast bars take just minutes to make and bake!
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The thing I love most about these granola bars is that they're highly customisable, and you can add 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 granola bars? Try my easy sticky date flapjacks or anzac slice!
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✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Keeps little tummies feeling full for longer.
- You can xperiment with different nuts, seeds, fruits, spices, and superfoods to create exciting flavours and textures.
- These bars are perfect for batch baking and freezing.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Butter- helps bind the ingredients together.
Light Brown Sugar - adds sweetness and moisture to the granola bars.
Demerara Sugar - it's slightly toffee-like flavour adds a pleasant crunch.
Honey - adds moisture and contributes to the chewiness of the bars.
Vanilla Extract - adds a hint of warmth and depth of flavour.
Porridge Oats - provide a hearty texture and nutty flavour to granola bars, while also adding fibre and nutrients.
Pumpkin Seeds - for a lovely crunch and additional nutritional boost.
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.
🔪 How to make chewy granola bars
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter, sugars, honey, and vanilla extract over low heat, stirring occasionally until well combined.
Two: Once the mixture is melted and combined, remove the pan from the heat. Add the porridge oats, seeds, and dried fruit to the pan, and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the butter mixture.
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.
Top 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.
- When melting the butter and sweeteners, such as honey or brown sugar, make sure to heat them gently and stir until fully combined.
- 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
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.
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 to the mixture.
- 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 - in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week
Freeze - for up to 3 months.
❓ 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
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Equipment
- Baking Paper
- Saucepan
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/ 350°F/ Gas 4) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter, sugars, honey, and vanilla extract over low heat, stirring occasionally until well combined.150 g Unsalted Butter, 60 g Light Brown Sugar, 60 g Demerara Sugar, 80 ml Honey, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Once the mixture is melted and combined, remove the pan from the heat. Add the porridge oats, seeds, and dried fruit to the pan, and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the butter mixture.275 g Porridge Oats, 80 g Seeds, 100 g Dried Fruit
- Spoon the mixture into the lined 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
- 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.