These homemade granola bars are the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and sweet, ready in just 5 minutes of prep.
Packed with wholesome oats, rich honey, and your favorite mix-ins, they’re a snack you can feel good about.
The chilling time of an hour ensures they hold together beautifully, making them ideal for on-the-go energy or a quick treat.
Each bite delivers a satisfying texture and a burst of flavor, whether you add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
Simple, customizable, and utterly delicious, these bars are a game-changer for busy days or cozy moments.
With their golden, toasty aroma and irresistible combination of ingredients, these granola bars are a treat for all your senses.
They’re not just a snack—they’re a homemade hug in every bite, offering a balance of sweetness and crunch.
Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute craving, they’re as versatile as they are tasty. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in them makes them a healthier choice than store-bought options.
Whip up a batch today and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something both nourishing and indulgent.
What You’ll Need?
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter (or cashew butter for a twist)
- ⅔ cup honey (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips* (optional, or substitute with dried fruit)
- 3 tablespoons pepitas (or crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch)
How to Make Homemade Granola Bars
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the oats, chocolate chips, and pepitas (or nuts) to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly. The mixture may seem dry at first, but keep stirring until it comes together.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Slice and store: Once chilled, lift the granola slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars of your desired size. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Customize Your Granola Bars
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste! Swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, or use almond butter instead of peanut butter. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter and replace the pepitas with toasted coconut flakes. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect Pairings for Your Bars
These granola bars are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a quick breakfast. For a sweet treat, drizzle melted chocolate on top before chilling. They’re also a handy snack to pack for hikes or road trips!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Quick Tips for Success
If your mixture feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of honey or peanut butter to help it bind. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold their shape. For easy slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Can I skip the chilling step? Chilling is essential for the bars to set, so don’t skip it! If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead.
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup very smooth creamy natural peanut butter or cashew butter
- ⅔ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips *
- 3 tablespoons pepitas or crushed peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt, until smooth.
- Add the oats, chocolate chips and the pepitas (or nuts). The mixture might seem dry at first, but keep stirring and it’ll come together.
- Stir to combine and press firmly into the pan. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the back of a measuring cup to help flatten the mixture.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars.
- Store bars in the fridge.