If you’re looking for a healthy, homemade snack that’s both crunchy and satisfying, these Homemade Nutty Granola Bars are the perfect choice. Filled with a variety of nuts, oats, and a touch of natural sweetness, these bars are perfect for snacking, breakfast on the go, or even a post-workout pick-me-up. They’re easy to make, customizable, and much better than store-bought versions.
Ready to whip up a batch of crunchy goodness? Let’s get started!
Homemade Nutty Granola Bars
Ingredients
For the Nutty Granola Bars
- 1/2 cup almonds chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds pepitas
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate if using is dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Replace almonds and walnuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pepitas and use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
Toast the Oats and Nuts (Optional, But Recommended)
- Spread the oats, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant.
- This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Make the Wet Mixture
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), and almond butter together.
- Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted oat mixture and any optional add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or seeds.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Press Into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the pan, ensuring the bars will hold together once baked.
Bake the Granola Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them set and become firm.
Cut and Serve
- Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan.
- Cut into 10-12 bars and enjoy!
- Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
- Calories: 200-250
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- Feel free to mix and match the types of nuts and seeds to your liking—pecans, cashews, or hemp seeds would be great options.
- If the bars are too crumbly, add a bit more honey or almond butter to help them stick together better.
- These bars can be customized with your favorite flavors and mix-ins, so experiment and make them your own!
Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle Bars: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars once they’ve cooled for a chocolatey finish.
- Tropical Nut Bars: Add 1/4 cup dried pineapple or mango and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Protein-Packed Bars: Stir in 2 tbsp of your favorite protein powder for a protein boost.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy these bars as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout treat. They’re also perfect for packing in lunch boxes or taking on hikes.
- Make It Ahead: These bars are great for meal prep! Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a longer shelf life.
- Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw before eating.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Homemade Nutty Granola Bars that are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go breakfast! These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re enjoying them as a post-workout snack or packing them in your lunchbox, these bars are sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, mix them up, and enjoy a homemade snack that’s better than anything you’ll find in the store!