Healthy & Crunchy Granola Bars

In today's fast-paced world, finding healthy and satisfying snacks can often feel like a challenge. With the rise of busy lifestyles and the need for on-the-go nutrition, many people turn to convenience snacks that are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy additives. However, homemade granola bars offer a nutritious and energy-boosting solution that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. These delightful snacks are not only easy to make but also provide a wholesome alternative to store-bought options.

Discover the joy of making your own Crunchy Nutty Delight Granola Bars! These homemade snacks are perfect for busy lifestyles, offering a nutritious alternative to store-bought options. Packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, and seeds, they provide sustained energy and essential nutrients. Customizable with your choice of sweeteners, nut butters, and optional add-ins like dried fruits or dark chocolate, these bars are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed anytime. Elevate your snacking with this delightful recipe that balances taste and health effortlessly!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, etc.)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is thoroughly coated.

Fold in the dried fruits and dark chocolate chips, if using.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly and making sure it's evenly spread out.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the overhanging parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut into bars or squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars