0 from 27 votes
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!
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 233 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
233kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
32g
(11%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
12mg
(4%)
Sodium
59mg
(2%)
Potassium
95mg
(3%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
20g
(40%)
Vitamin A
143IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
32mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 233
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 233kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 59mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 143IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.