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Home By Meal Snacks

Healthy Granola Bars

★★★★★ 33 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin4/30/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy granola bars
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!

homemade healthy granola bars stacked

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!

homemade healthy granola bars

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.

stack of granola bars

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
homemade healthy granola bars stacked

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

★★★★★ 4.9 from 33 reviews

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!

Print Pin it Rate

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

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Combine oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl – stir to combine.
  3. In small saucepan, combine coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until warmed through and coconut oil has melted.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and press down firmly with bottom of spatula.
  6. Cover and refrigerate least 2 hours or overnight, I prefer overnight! Use a knife to cut into desired sizes.
  7. Keep them in the fridge or freezer.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: snacksCuisine: Snack

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. JB says

    Posted on 3/22 at 7:13 pm

    These are absolutely amazing – whole family loves them. The recipe is great as is. I have also messed arounds and used a variety of nuts + chia seeds + flax. Also didn’t have raisons one time I made them and used dried apricots + dried blueberries instead and delicious. I also use a mix of peanut butter, almond butter and any other nut butter. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/22 at 11:59 pm

      Hi, thank you for sharing! I am thrilled they’re a hit with your family and you made them your own! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kelley says

    Posted on 3/9 at 4:38 pm

    So yummy! It was hard to stop eating these! We used sun butter, pecans and we added dried cranberries with the raisins. It would be great with dried blueberries too! My kids loved them too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/10 at 12:09 am

      Hi Kelley, so glad you liked them and great additions! That all sounds so good!!

      Reply
  3. SECJ says

    Posted on 2/24 at 3:02 pm

    Mine didn’t harden! Any suggestions? I followed the recipe to a tee. Love the ingredients and was excited to try them.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/25 at 12:36 pm

      Did you use regular coconut oil? Or coconut oil that is melted at room temp?

      Reply
  4. Christine C says

    Posted on 2/19 at 3:58 pm

    Hi Erin!! I love these granola bars, but would like to get your input. The taste is amazing, but every time I make these bars they crumble when cutting so it turns into more of a granola for me. I am following your exact recipe, have you had this happen?

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/22 at 6:05 pm

      Hi Christine, hmm you can always add more honey! It should help hold them together. I usually don’t have an issue so let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  5. Julianna says

    Posted on 2/8 at 8:20 am

    Haven’t even put them in the fridge and I’m ready to eat them! Thanks for another easy recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/8 at 9:41 pm

      Hi Julianna, so happy you enjoyed making them!!

      Reply
  6. E says

    Posted on 2/6 at 4:13 pm

    Your ads are covering the recipes competely on the site. I keep trying to make this recipe but can’t see it at all even with clicking out of the ads they pop back up and block them.Can’t even see what I am writing right now.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/8 at 9:54 pm

      Hi E, thanks for letting me know. I’ll have my ad team look at this!

      Reply
  7. Andi says

    Posted on 1/27 at 11:10 am

    These are sooo delicious! They were gone within a day at my house. I will never be buying granola bars again! These were super simple and the perfect breakfast. Filling and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/27 at 5:57 pm

      Hi Andi, I am so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sondra Oak says

    Posted on 1/23 at 9:28 am

    I am going to make your bars as soon as I can as we are in lockdown in Naxos Greece. Lucky the local baker here makes homemade bars which are yummy. I just want to say that its nice you are giving away free top 8 desserts, and with the Covid 19 I am so glad you are pointing out that some ingredients have Chemicals and Preservatives. When I started looking up food, hair products, tea, coffee etc
    I am super amazed how much of those products are grown in land that has Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Formaldehyde from China.
    EVERYBODY needs to know what we are using. Thanks Sandi

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/23 at 7:16 pm

      Hi Sondra, can’t wait until you can make them soon! Thanks for your kind words!

      Reply
  9. Chloe says

    Posted on 1/19 at 8:10 am

    Delicious recipe! How long do these last in the fridge? How do you eat them after they’re frozen (thaw then at room temp?) thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/20 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Chloe, thank you and they last up to two weeks in the fridge! And yes, I let them thaw for about 5 minutes.

      Reply
  10. Simone Y. says

    Posted on 1/4 at 9:55 am

    My favorite go to!!!! Better than buying in the store!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Simone, so glad you love them!

      Reply
  11. kaitlyn says

    Posted on 1/3 at 7:49 pm

    these are so good and easy to make!! way better than anything you can buy packaged at a grocery store

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:20 pm

      Hi Kaitlyn, so glad you enjoyed them bars!!

      Reply
  12. Erin McMahon says

    Posted on 1/3 at 5:36 pm

    If I could live on these alone, I would! They’re a great staple and I make them frequently. Can’t recommend enough!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Erin, I am so happy you love them!

      Reply
  13. Amy says

    Posted on 1/1 at 4:08 pm

    These look really good, but do you have to keep them refrigerated?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 1:02 pm

      Hi Amy, thanks and you can cover and put the pan right in the refrigerator.

      Reply
  14. Jene says

    Posted on 12/25 at 8:10 pm

    Absolute Favorite!!
    I make a batch twice a week!
    They give me the energy I need, for the work outs I do .
    I add Chai seeds and organic unsweetened coconut! Holy !!! I would be lost without these ! I am addicted !

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/28 at 12:06 am

      Hi Jene, I am so happy it is part of your weekly baking and love your additions! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Celine says

    Posted on 12/7 at 3:20 pm

    Is there a substitute I can use for the coconut oil such as olive oil or butter?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/8 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Celine, you can use butter. You just need something that hardens at cold temperatures. Let me know how the bars come out.

      Reply
  16. Shannon says

    Posted on 11/16 at 11:03 am

    Love this recipe so much!! So easy to make and much better ingredients than store bought. Make it once a week for snack after work!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/16 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Shannon, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it so much!!

      Reply
  17. Anne Marie says

    Posted on 11/13 at 7:08 pm

    I made these granola snack bars using dates instead of raisins. They came out absolutely wonderful. This is a good no muss, no fuss, no blender equipment recipe. Very easy instructions and assembly. I will be making this again! Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/16 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Anne Marie, I am so happy you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  18. Julia says

    Posted on 10/20 at 7:17 pm

    I cut my bars small to make them the perfect pre-workout snack in the morning. So delicious and filling!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/21 at 3:52 pm

      Hi Julia, such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  19. Miranda says

    Posted on 9/26 at 10:34 am

    I have not made these yet, but they sound DELICIOUS! My family doesn’t tend to eat very healthy, and I’m the only one who tries to get us on that healthy track! This recipe seems healthy and good! Also, can I remove the raisins?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 7:56 am

      Hi Miranda, let me know how they come out and yes- they’re optional.

      Reply
  20. Chantal says

    Posted on 8/24 at 12:14 pm

    These sound delicious! Before I make them though, I’m wondering if I could add protein powder or would that ruin them?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/24 at 8:37 pm

      Hi Chantal, yes, I think that would be fine. I haven’t tried that myself, so I’d just be careful not to add too much to make them too dry. Let me know how much you use and how they come out!

      Reply
      • Chantal says

        Posted on 8/29 at 12:54 am

        Hi!!
        I ended up adding just a scoop that the powder comes with, I will probably do a little more next time because they were chewy, gooey and soooo delicious!! This recipe will definitely be made over and over again ☺️

      • Erin says

        Posted on 8/30 at 11:01 am

        Hi Chantal, I am so happy to hear that and glad they came out well! Thanks for sharing!

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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