Healthy Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup roughly chopped nuts
like almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts or a mix
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pepitas
or additional chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
or dried fruit or nuts
Directions
- 1
Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper so that two sides of the paper overhang the sides like handles. Coat generously with nonstick spray.
- 2
Spread the oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes on a rimmed, ungreased baking sheet. Toast in the oven until the coconut looks lightly golden and the nuts are toasted and fragrant, about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
- 3
Meanwhile, heat the honey and peanut butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smoothly combined. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- 4
As soon as the oat mixture is finished toasting, carefully transfer it to the pan with the peanut butter. With a rubber spatula, stir to combine. Let cool for 5 minutes, then add the chocolate chips (if you add the chocolate chips immediately, they will melt).
- 5
Scoop the batter into the prepared pan. With the back of a spatula, press the bars into a single layer (you also can place a sheet of plastic wrap against the surface to deter sticking, then use your fingers; discard the plastic prior to baking).
- 6
Bake the healthy granola bars for 15 to 20 minutes: 20 minutes will yield crunchier bars; at 15 they will be slightly chewier. With the bars still in the pan, press a knife down into the pan to cut into bars of your desired size (be sure to pick a knife that will not damage your pan—I typically cut into 2 rows of 5). Do not remove the bars. Let them cool completely in the pan.
- 7
Once the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment to lift them onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars again in the same place, going over your lines to separate. Pull apart and enjoy!
Healthy Granola Bars
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About this Recipe
Looking for a wholesome, satisfying snack that curbs cravings without the sugar crash? These Healthy Granola Bars are packed with goodness, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. They offer a simple solution for a high-fiber, low-sugar treat everyone will love.
The beauty of these granola bars lies in the harmonious blend of hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of honey, creating a chewy texture that holds together without being overly sweet. It's a thoughtfully crafted snack designed to provide sustained energy, moving beyond typical store-bought options filled with additives.
Prepare for a delightful chewiness, enhanced by the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts and seeds. The natural sweetness from honey beautifully balances the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, all complemented by a hint of warm cinnamon and aromatic vanilla. You'll find a substantial, hearty bite in every bar, making them an ideal energizing option for both kids and adults. This recipe focuses on simple, recognizable ingredients to deliver a genuinely fulfilling snack.
Easily tailor these granola bars to your taste and what you have on hand. Swap out the suggested nuts like almonds or walnuts for pecans, peanuts, or your favorite blend. If sunflower seeds or pepitas aren't readily available, simply use an equal amount of additional chopped nuts. For the mix-ins, go beyond mini chocolate chips and experiment with dried fruits for a different kind of sweetness, or incorporate extra nuts for more texture and healthy fats.
These wholesome bars are excellent as a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout refuel, or a nutritious addition to any lunchbox. They're a fantastic way to keep hunger at bay with a homemade, satisfying snack.