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The Best Chewy, Naturally Sweetened Homemade Granola Bars

Close-up of chewy homemade granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and dried cranberries, sitting on a white plate.
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Make your own granola bars that are chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened. This easy granola bar recipe uses wholesome ingredients and is perfect for a healthy snack or on-the-go breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup mix-ins (e.g., dried fruit, mini chocolate chips)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup natural sweetener (e.g., honey or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and your chosen mix-ins. Add the salt and stir well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
  3. In a separate small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the natural sweetener and melted coconut oil until they are fully combined and liquid. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a glass or a spatula. Firm pressing helps create chewy granola bars.
  6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the mixture cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to set properly.
  8. Once fully cooled (about 1 hour), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into 12 to 16 bars.

Notes

  • For a no-bake option, skip the oven step. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  • To make these kid friendly snack bars, use mini chocolate chips and dried cranberries as your main mix-ins.
  • If you prefer a softer bar, reduce the baking time slightly. For crispier bars, bake closer to 20 minutes.
  • Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/homemade-granola-bars-recipe/