![- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins), chopped if large I love making homemade granola bars because they are tasty and easy. You start with rolled oats, which give them a nice chewy texture. I usually mix in nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts for a crunch. Sunflower seeds add a delightful pop, too. For sweetness, I choose either honey or maple syrup. Both work great. Almond butter or peanut butter helps bind everything together. It also gives a rich flavor. Now, let’s talk about flavor. Adding vanilla extract brings warmth, while cinnamon gives a cozy touch. A little sea salt helps balance the sweetness perfectly. Dried fruits add a fruity burst and chewiness. My favorites are cranberries, apricots, or raisins. You can chop them if they are too big. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You can mix and match these ingredients based on what you like. That’s the fun part! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped mixed nuts, and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. Mix well. - In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup with 1/4 cup of almond butter. Stir continuously. - Once melted, remove from heat and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. - Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the oats and nuts are coated. - Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits, mixing until well distributed. - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the granola out and cut into bars or squares. This simple method makes delicious granola bars that are easy to customize. You can find the full recipe earlier in this article. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious homemade snack! To get that perfect crunch, I suggest using a mix of nuts. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts all add great flavor and texture. You can also play with the baking time. Bake for 20 minutes for softer bars or 25 minutes for a crunchier finish. You can make your granola bars special by adding spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. If you want a sweet touch, mix in some chocolate chips. They melt slightly and add a nice richness. For a beautiful look, stack your bars neatly on a wooden board. You can also wrap them in parchment paper. This makes them easy to grab on the go. If you want to impress, store them in a mason jar. It looks nice and keeps them fresh. If you want the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars section. {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free granola bar, it's easy to make. You can swap out the nuts for seeds. Try using extra sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Puffed rice also works well. This keeps the crunch while making it safe for those with nut allergies. To make your bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. This adds a nice sweetness. You can also change almond butter for another plant-based spread, like sunflower seed butter or tahini. These swaps keep your bars creamy and delicious without animal products. Want to boost the protein? You can add protein powder right into the mix. This works great if you are active or need extra energy. Another option is to use cooked quinoa instead of some oats. Quinoa adds protein and a nice texture to your bars. You can find the full recipe and start making your own tasty granola bars today! To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture away and helps maintain their crunchy texture. You can keep them at room temperature for easy access. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. This also adds a nice chill to the bars. If you want to save some for later, wrap each bar individually. Use plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge. This way, you’ll always have a tasty snack handy. Homemade granola bars are best enjoyed fresh. They can last 1-2 weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose their crunchiness and flavor. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy them while they are fresh and tasty! Yes, but the texture will be softer. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well. Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish before baking. Absolutely! You can mix and match nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to your liking. These homemade granola bars are simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients, mixing steps, and baking process. I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can adapt the recipe to fit your needs, whether nut-free or vegan. Remember to store them well for freshness. Enjoy your delicious, customized snacks!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f45f9d3a-f110-4bb9-98c3-c0c9670e2c70-250x250.webp)
Homemade Granola Bars: Easy Recipe
Discover the joy of homemade crunchy nutty granola bars that make a perfect snack for any time of day! With wholesome ingredients like oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruits, these bars are not only delicious but also easy to make. Follow our step-by-step recipe to create your own batch in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your snack game today!