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Healthy Granola Bars are an easy snack loaded with peanut butter, almonds, honey, and oats. Made with no refined sugar and packing a protein punch, these healthy no-bake bars are perfect for kids and adults!
The ultimate grab-and-go snack
If you know anything about me, you know that I need snacks on deck at all times. What can I say? I like to be prepared when hunger strikes! This is kind of why I’ve become the queen of preparing easy snacks ahead of time with items that are already in my pantry.
In this case, that means peanut butter, oatmeal, honey, and chocolate chips. These are staple items in my pantry, and coincidentally they’re the same items used to make my famous healthy granola bars.
These snack bars are chocolatey, chewy, and perfectly sweetened. If you were a fan of those little chewy bars growing up, you’re gonna want to make these.
I, for one, used to totally gobble those up, so this is understandably one of my favorite recipes ever. They’re perfect for taking on the go, packing in kids’ lunches, enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up, etc. They’re more nutritious than store-bought brands and are wonderfully peanut buttery!
Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade granola bars
My homemade cereal bars are jam packed with nutrient rich ingredients, making these a wholesome snack filled with protein, fiber, and more. Below are all of the ingredients you’ll need to bring this recipe to life!
- Quick oats
- Almonds or nuts
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Coconut oil
- Natural peanut butter
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
Kitchen tools for making granola breakfast bars
When I said this recipe was easy, I meant it! If that hasn’t convinced you, maybe this will: only five kitchen tools are required to create this recipe. Grab your baking dish, parchment paper, mixing bowl, saucepan, and spatula, and let’s make these treats!
Additionally, you will need the following measuring cups: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, 3/4 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make this granola bar recipe
Making granola bars couldn’t be simpler. We’ll mix our ingredients, warm some of them up, add them to our baking dish, and place in the fridge or freezer. That’s literally it – there’s no baking required either! You’ll only need 10 minutes of spare time to prep this recipe.
To begin making healthy granola bars, start by lining a baking dish with parchment paper. I used an 8×8 dish.
Next, combine the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, and stir to combine.
In a small saucepan, combine the coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until everything is warmed through and the coconut oil has melted.
Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine.
Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes before adding the chocolate chips so that they don’t melt. Once cooled, add the chocolate and raisins.
Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish and press down firmly with the bottom of the spatula.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight (I prefer overnight!).
Use a knife to cut into desired sizes, and keep stored in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy!
A healthier granola recipe
I love standard processed chewy granola bars as much as the next gal, but I don’t necessarily love how they’re made. Many of the packaged snack and breakfast bars that you’ll find in the grocery store are filled with countless chemicals and preservatives. Who knows what those ingredients are doing to our bodies?
That’s one of the reasons that I like to make my own at-home versions. For this recipe, you’ll see that I use a number of healthy ingredients in the attempt to pack in as many nutrients as possible!
To make that happen, I used quick oats, almonds, coconut oil (rather than vegetable or canola), and all-natural peanut butter (processed peanut butter is riddled with chemicals). Honey is used for sweetening, which is a great alternative to regular refined sugar.
Easy substitution options
There are a number of ways that you can customize these bars and make them your own. Here are some ideas!
Almonds
Not a big almond person? That’s okay! Use whichever nuts you prefer. Walnuts, pecans, or peanuts will work well too.
Coconut oil
You can use any cooking oil to replace the coconut oil in this recipe.
Peanut butter
I’m a huge peanut butter lover, but you don’t have to be! Any nut butter will work as an easy swap.
Honey
You can use molasses or maple syrup in place of honey.
Chocolate chips
Not feeling chocolate? Sub the chips with white chocolate or caramel chips, or omit them altogether for a nuttier result.
Add-ons
Additionally, you can use various add-ons to make this recipe complete. Ideas include crushed candy, dried fruit, or extra nuts!
More granola recipes for your cravings
Whether you like bars or you prefer loose granola (perfect for topping yogurt and desserts), there’s a recipe for you! Be sure to try my delicious chocolate peanut butter granola. It’s a hit!
- No-Bake Nutty Granola Bars
- Trail Mix Granola Bars
- Chunky Paleo Granola
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola
- Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Granola
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis
Healthy Granola Bars
Healthy Granola Bars are an easy snack loaded with peanut butter, almonds, honey, and oats. Made with no refined sugar and packing a protein punch, these healthy no-bake bars are perfect for kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup almonds or other nut, roughly chopped.
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 3/4 cup creamy, natural peanut butter (any nut butter will work)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl – stir to combine.
- In small saucepan, combine coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until warmed through and coconut oil has melted.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and stir to combine. Let mixture rest for 30 minutes before adding chocolate chips so they don’t melt. Then add chocolate and raisins.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and press down firmly with bottom of spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate least 2 hours or overnight, I prefer overnight! Use a knife to cut into desired sizes.
- Keep them in the fridge or freezer.
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GabyR says
Hello Erin, I’ve just made this recipe and its SOOOOOO delicious.
Everyone at home loved it.
Thank you :*
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Gaby, ah I am so happy everyone enjoyed the bars!! 🙂
Diane says
Erin,
I loved this recipe! I have a question for ya though…I teach a no bake cooking class to adults with disabilities and want to know if the stovetop step could be done in the microwave and still turn out just as delicious. Your thoughts?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Diane! Absolutely!! That is a perfect way to get everything melted. Sounds like it would be a fun activity! Let me know how it goes!
Nikki says
Can I use toasted Quakers old fashioned oats, as that’s all I have available at the moment. Thanks
Erin says
yes!
Jill says
AMAZING!! These are so yummy & easy to make. They are giving me all the nostalgic vibes of having a Chewy bar in my school lunch, but literally zero guilt. These will be a staple in my house.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jill, I am thrilled you love them! Ah yes, I had Chewy bars too growing up!
Sandi Wrigley says
We love this recipe in my house! I’ve already made them 3 times in the last few weeks. A snack staple for sure! I love that is pure and simple ingredients.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sandi, I’m so happy everyone loves the bars!! 🙂
Taylor says
this recipe is amazing and so delicious!!! is there a secret to cutting them to prevent them from breaking apart/crumbling?! or does this mean i messed up somewhere along the way LOL
Erin says
Hi Taylor, thanks for your kind words! I would add more honey next time and store them in the freezer until ready to eat. Let me know how your next batch goes!
Keelin says
this recipe is perfect! it’s super easy and my whole family LOVES it!! these are a huge hit in my house, i’ve started making these every week!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Keelin, thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy your family enjoys the bars!! 🙂
cassandra diaz says
SO AMAZING! They hold together just like regular bars, and my GF kiddo is SO thankful to get to have a “fun bar” that doesn’t make him break out.
We ALWAYS trust your recipes and love that there is never a doubt that they will come out perfect.
The salty/sweet was perfect here!
Also, our one year old had a version that worked really well I wanted to share! I made these minus the almonds, cchips and raisins but mixed in her little apple flavored puffs right before refrigerating and they came out great! A little crunch and flavor along with the bar. It was perfect!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Cassandra, I am so happy everyone enjoyed the bars!! 🙂
Lindsay says
I love these! They are so easy to make and so delicious! I used rolled oats because that’s what I had and they turned out great.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, I’m thrilled you love the bars! 🙂
nicole says
i love jammin’ out to your video music lol. also, solid recipe! taste like candy bars <3
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicole! Thank you so much for your kind words and happy you like them!
Abbey says
I wish I could give more than 5 stars! These granola bars are SO good I don’t think I can ever go back to store bought! Also, very easy to make.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abbey, thank you for your kind words!! I’m so happy you love it!
Jess says
Omg I can’t wait to make this!!! I’m sadly allergic to honey…. do you think the texture would still work with maple, or any other sub in mind? Thanks!!
Erin says
The honey helps it stick together!!! Agave would work!
Erin says
Hi Jess, yes, you could use any type of syrup or molasses. Let me know what you use and how it comes out!!
Mikay says
Can you use sunflower butter for these?
Erin says
Yes!
Laura says
Can I used rolled oats instead?
Erin says
Yes!
Meghan says
These look good! Do you think I can use Extra Thick roller oats?
Erin says
Yes!
Teresa says
These are a hit at my house. I didn’t change and add cocunut oil or raisins…I still use chia seeds…we loved it the way it was…
★★★★★
Sara says
How much did you add? Would love to add some to mine
Erin says
Hi Teresa, I am so happy everyone enjoyed them and you made them your own!!
Cristin says
I’m confused. I used to use this recipe and loved it and then a while back it changed. Is there any way to get the original recipe?
Cristin says
Teresa, I also loved the original recipe. I sent a comment asking for it months ago but never heard back. I can’t find it or remember it. Would you be able to help me.
★★★★★
Hannah R says
I made this last night. Super easy and very delicious! Also a great option for a no bake treat since my oven is currently out of commission 🙁
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah! Thank you for your kind words! I am so happy you liked it and hope your oven is fixed now!
Lori says
These are delicious! I refuse to buy store bought granola bars anymore – these are simple to make, customize, and taste amazing! My six kids & hubby agree!
★★★★★
Erin says
LOVE that!! So glad that everyone is enjoying them!! 🙂
Michelle says
My kids love these! I love the ingredients, so much better than store bought.
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks for sharing, Michelle!! So glad your crew is loving them 🙂
Mélanie says
I love your content but could please give an estimation of the calories.
Thank you in advance !!
Erin says
Hi Melanie!
Yes! Good news for you, from here on out, every recipe will have nutrition info! This one has been updated.