Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Best Healthy Homemade Granola Bars


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a quick breakfast or healthy snack that actually tastes amazing? These Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. They’re a perfect no-bake option for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or school lunchboxes. Simple to make with wholesome ingredients, these bars belong on your list of easy recipes and food ideas you’ll make over and over again. Whether you need breakfast ideas or snack options that are clean and customizable, these bars deliver every time.


Ingredients

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

1/4 cup rice crispy cereal (optional)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, chia seeds, flaxseeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon


Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped nuts, rice crispy cereal, and sea salt.

3. In a saucepan over low heat, melt together peanut butter and honey until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to coat evenly.

5. Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in chocolate chips.

6. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly using a flat-bottomed cup or spatula.

7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or freeze for 25–30 minutes.

8. Once firm, lift out of the pan and slice into bars. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Let the mixture cool before adding chocolate chips to avoid melting them.

Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: healthy snack, quick breakfast, granola bars, easy recipe, food ideas