I consider myself something of a snack connoisseur. The best snacks have to be quick to make, easy to put in my bag for the day, and, most importantly, delicious. So, I’ve created this healthy granola bar recipe that is packed with goodness. It is a great addition to your rotation of healthy snacks and perfect as a breakfast bar on the go or a mid-morning or afternoon snack for a burst of energy. Plus, my DIY granola bars are super easy to make and easily customizable, so you can make them exactly how you like them.
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How to make granola bars
Prepare the oats and nuts: Toast the oats, almonds, and sunflower seeds for around 12 minutes at 350ºF/170ºC. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Bake them for a couple of minutes longer if you prefer a more golden, crispy texture. Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool down a bit. Note that you can roughly chop or crush the nuts before roasting if you want smaller pieces. This also helps the bars stick together better. Make the Granola: Start by adding the honey, almond butter, and protein powder (if using) to a bowl and mix well. Next, add the roasted oats, nuts, and seeds to the bowl and mix thoroughly. If the mixture isn’t sticky enough, you can add more honey or your preferred liquid sweetener. You can mix in the chocolate chips now if you want. I prefer to keep them separate and put them on top of the granola before chilling. Transfer to a tray: Cover a small tray, casserole dish, or square bowl with parchment paper. I used a 9 x 9-inch pan (23×23 cm). Adding a bit of oil or butter to the tray helps the paper stick to it. Pour the granola bar mix in and stack well. Use a spatula or a glass/cup with a flat bottom to spread and press the granola onto the tray. If you keep your chocolate chips aside, place them on the granola now, then press down so they stick to the mixture. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once hardened and cool, cut into even-sized rectangular bars. I cut mine into 10 bars. Then you can enjoy and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Possible granola bars variations
Sweetener: To make this recipe vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup or a combination of agave nectar and coconut oil. Alternatively, you could use Medjool dates – they will make the granola sticky and act as a natural sweetener, giving you the perfect chewy granola bars. Dried Fruit: Dried fruits add flavor and sweetness. I love using dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, and figs, but you can add whichever you like. Freeze-dried Fruit: A budget-friendly option for adding crunch. You can use banana chips, strawberries, raspberries, or others. Spices: For a true cookie feel, add extras like cinnamon or vanilla extract. Coconut: My unsweetened shredded coconut is also great for adding flavor, texture, and nutrition. Additional Seeds: For extra nutrition and texture, go for flaxseeds, chia, and pumpkin seeds.
If you try this healthy granola bar recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
