Description
These Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack made with wholesome ingredients like oats, dried cranberries, nuts, seeds, and a touch of natural sweetness from honey and peanut butter. Easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go energy boosts, they offer a balanced mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats without any baking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (OR cacao nibs)
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (optional for an extra boost in nutrients)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (all-natural preferred)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom and sides of an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the granola bars out once they’re set.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, mini dark chocolate chips, ground flax, chia seeds, hemp seeds (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to distribute evenly.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt together the honey, smooth peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no burning occurs.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan. Evenly spread and firmly press down the mixture to compact it for sturdier bars.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm enough to cut.
- Cut and Store: Lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 20 bars. Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 1 month for longer storage.
Notes
- Optional hemp seeds add extra nutrients but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use all-natural peanut butter to avoid added sugars or unhealthy oils.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure peanut butter is free from animal products.
- Storing bars in the fridge prolongs freshness; freezing helps when keeping for longer periods.
