Save Chewy wholesome granola bars packed with oats seeds and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I remember the first time I made these granola bars for my family—they quickly became a staple lunchbox treat for my kids and a handy pick-me-up during busy afternoons.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3 cups
- Crispy rice cereal: 1 cup
- Raw sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup
- Chopped nuts (e.g. almonds walnuts or pecans): 1/2 cup
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup
- Dried fruit (cranberries raisins or apricots) chopped: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 cup
- Creamy peanut butter or almond butter: 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine oats rice cereal sunflower seeds chopped nuts chocolate chips (if using) dried fruit salt and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Make the wet mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine honey peanut butter and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Save When I pack these bars in lunchboxes everyone’s excited because they get a little taste of homemade love at school or work.
Recipe Variations
Add shredded coconut or flaxseed for extra nutrition or swap honey for maple syrup for vegan bars.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts (or tree nuts) dairy (if using butter) and may contain gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutrition Facts
Each bar has about 185 calories 8 g total fat 25 g carbohydrates and 4 g protein.
Save Try these chewy bars as an afterschool snack or on a hike—kids and adults will love them. Make a big batch and stash some in your freezer for busy weeks.
Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients give these bars their chewiness?
The combination of honey or maple syrup with nut butters creates a sticky, chewy texture that binds the oats and nuts together.
- → Can these bars be made nut-free?
Yes, by replacing nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower and using sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- → How should I store the bars for freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- → Can I substitute honey for another sweetener?
Maple syrup is a great vegan-friendly alternative that maintains moisture and sweetness.
- → What baking tools are essential for preparation?
A 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper ensures easy removal and even baking.