Here’s a simple and healthy homemade granola bar recipe — no baking required, naturally sweetened, and customizable!
💡Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts or seeds (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds), chopped
- 1/2 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g. cranberries, raisins, chopped dates)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition
💡Instructions:
- Toast (optional but adds flavor): Lightly toast the oats and nuts in a dry pan or oven for 5–7 minutes until golden.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a saucepan, warm the nut butter and honey/maple syrup over low heat. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. Pour in the warm mixture and stir well. Fold in chocolate chips if using (let mixture cool slightly first to avoid melting).
- Press into a pan: Line an 8×8 inch dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to compact it.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut & store: Slice into bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
✅ Tips:
- Make them vegan by using maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate.
- Make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
- Add protein powder for a post-workout boost.
