Crunchy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe: Simple Joy in Every Bite

Breakfast just got a delightful upgrade with these homemade crunchy granola bars that pack a serious flavor punch.

Crisp, golden oats blend perfectly with the nutty richness of almonds and seeds in this irresistible recipe.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that beats store-bought versions hands down.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a snack you’ll want to make again and again.

Drizzled with a touch of honey and sprinkled with golden brown edges, these bars offer a wholesome treat perfect for morning rushes or afternoon energy boosts.

Each bar promises a delicious balance of sweetness and texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Whip up a batch and discover your new favorite grab-and-go breakfast companion.

Steps To Make Granola Bars From Scratch

• Prepare Baking Surface

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, creating an overhang for easy removal.

• Create Dry Base

Mix oats and crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl, creating a crunchy foundation for your homemade snack.

• Craft Sticky Binder

Warm peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly bubbly.

• Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to elevate the taste.

• Combine Ingredients

Pour the warm mixture over dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure complete coating. Allow to cool momentarily, then gently fold in chocolate chips or preferred mix-ins.

• Shape and Set

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, using a spatula or your hands to create an even, compact layer.

• Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for at least an hour to help the bars firm up, then cut into individual servings.

• Store and Enjoy

Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 13

Nutritious Ingredients For Homemade Granola Bars

• Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain that provides robust texture and fills you with lasting energy.
• Rice Cereal: Adds delightful crunch and lightens the bar's density for a more enjoyable bite.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy protein-packed binder that holds everything together with rich, nutty flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that creates sticky consistency and enhances overall taste profile.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens sweetness with caramel-like undertones and helps create perfect chewy texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that rounds out flavors and adds subtle warmth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all other ingredients' natural tastes.

• Chocolate Chips: Delectable treat that melts slightly and provides bursts of indulgent chocolate flavor.

Kitchen Tools For Easy Granola Bars

• 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating uniform, rectangular granola bars.
• Parchment paper: Critical for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine dry ingredients like oats and rice cereal.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for melting and combining wet ingredients over medium heat.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients and press mixture into pan.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting bars into desired shapes after chilling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Fun Twists For Granola Bars Flavor

• Perfect Pan Press: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or clean hands with slightly wet fingers to firmly pack the mixture evenly, ensuring compact and well-formed bars without crumbling.
• No-Bake Magic: These bars require zero oven time, making them a super quick and easy snack perfect for busy families or beginner bakers looking for simple recipes.
• Dietary Swaps: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free versions, or use gluten-free rice cereal and certified gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with mix-ins like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or different chocolate chip varieties to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• Storage Savvy: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper for grab-and-go convenience, and freeze for up to 3 months to extend their shelf life and always have a quick snack ready.

Ways To Serve Granola Bars Anytime

• Morning Fuel Boost: Pack these bars for a quick breakfast alongside a smoothie or yogurt, giving you sustained energy to kickstart your day.
• Lunchbox Champion: Wrap individually for kids' school lunches or adult work snacks, providing a homemade treat that's healthier than store-bought options.
• Hiking and Adventure Companion: Stash these portable bars in your backpack for hiking, camping, or outdoor activities as a nutrient-dense, lightweight snack that keeps you going.
• Post-Workout Recovery Treat: Enjoy as a post-exercise snack that replenishes energy with its balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein from peanut butter, and delicious chocolate chips.

Tips To Store Granola Bars For Snacking

• Smart Batch Preparation: Make a double or triple batch of these granola bars and store them in individual wrap portions. Grab-and-go snacks will be ready for busy mornings or quick energy boosts during the day.
• Flexible Refrigeration Strategy: Keep bars in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, extending their lifespan up to 2 weeks. Cold storage helps maintain their texture and prevents chocolate chips from melting.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap each bar separately in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars can last up to 3 months, perfect for advance meal planning and unexpected snack cravings.
• Container Wisdom: Choose airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-sealing lids. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the bars' crisp texture and individual shape.

Crunchy Granola Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate chip granola bars deliver a delightful crunch with balanced sweetness and nutty undertones. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a satisfying snack perfect for quick energy boosts you can enjoy anytime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups (595 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup (120 ml) mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 ml) dried fruit or chopped nuts
• 1 cup (240 ml) crispy rice cereal
• ½ cup (120 ml) peanut butter or almond butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Line a baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for effortless extraction.
2. Base Blend: Thoroughly mix rolled oats and crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl, creating a textural foundation.
3. Syrup Creation: Gently melt peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy liquid with gentle bubbling.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and salt, ensuring complete integration of aromatics.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Pour warm syrup over dry ingredients, using a spatula to coat every morsel uniformly, creating a cohesive mixture that binds completely.
6. Mix-in Incorporation: Fold chocolate chips or alternative ingredients gently into the cooling mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the granola base.
7. Compression and Setting: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a compact, uniform layer. Refrigerate for one hour to solidify the bars completely.
8. Portioning: Extract the set granola block using parchment paper overhang, then slice into precise rectangles or squares with a sharp knife.
9. Storage: Preserve the granola bars in an airtight container, maintaining optimal freshness at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for extended preservation.

Notes

• Perfect Pan Preparation: Line the baking pan meticulously with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend slightly for hassle-free bar removal and clean cutting.
• Control Syrup Consistency: Heat peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar slowly, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy binding liquid.
• Prevent Crumbly Texture: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, compacting ingredients to ensure bars hold together without falling apart when sliced.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer preservation and firmer texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg