Name: Chewy Homemade Granola Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional); 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped (like cranberries or raisins) (optional)

These chewy homemade granola bars are the perfect snack for any time of the day. They’re easy to make, customizable to your liking, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you fueled throughout your busy day. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or just something to nibble on, these granola bars have got you covered. I love how you can personalize them with your favorite mix-ins, making them a treat everyone will enjoy. Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how simple and flexible this recipe is. I can easily swap out the ingredients based on what I have in my pantry. The granola bars turn out perfectly chewy, with just the right balance of sweetness and crunch. What’s even better is how these bars are made with wholesome ingredients that are much healthier than the store-bought versions. Plus, I can feel good about the fact that I know exactly what’s going into my snack. They’re perfect for meal prep too – I can make a batch in advance and have a healthy option ready whenever I need it.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped (like cranberries or raisins) (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the oats, seeds, and any dry mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until melted and easy to stir. Add in the vanilla extract and salt and stir to combine.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well-coated.
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and press the granola mixture into the dish, packing it down tightly to help the bars hold together.
Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Once firm, remove from the dish and cut into squares or bars.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 12-16 bars, depending on how large or small you cut them. The preparation time is around 10-15 minutes, and the chilling time is about 2 hours.

Variations

I like to mix up the ingredients depending on what I’m in the mood for or what I have at hand. For example, I’ve swapped out peanut butter for almond butter or even sun butter for a nut-free version. You can also get creative with the add-ins—try swapping the chocolate chips for dried coconut flakes, nuts, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. The possibilities are endless! I’ve also used different sweeteners, like maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar. It’s all about what I have on hand or what flavors I prefer at the moment.

Storage/Reheating

To store these granola bars, I place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a week this way, which makes them perfect for meal prep. If I want them to last longer, I’ll freeze the bars. I simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to eat, I just take one out, let it thaw for a few minutes, and enjoy! There’s no need for reheating, as they taste great at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I make these granola bars vegan?

I can easily make these granola bars vegan by swapping out the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup and ensuring that the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Can I make these granola bars without peanut butter?

Yes! I’ve made these with almond butter, sun butter, or even cashew butter, depending on what I have on hand. Each nut butter adds its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment.

How do I make the granola bars firmer?

To make the bars firmer, I press them into the pan really tightly, which helps them hold their shape. I also make sure to refrigerate them for the full 2 hours to allow them to fully set.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Absolutely! I’ve added a scoop of my favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients to give these bars an extra protein boost. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to keep the texture right.

Can I skip the chocolate chips and other add-ins?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips and other add-ins if you prefer a more basic granola bar. These bars are delicious even without them, so feel free to keep it simple.

Conclusion

These chewy homemade granola bars are a game-changer for healthy snacking. They’re incredibly easy to make, customizable to my taste, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether I’m grabbing one for breakfast, as a midday snack, or post-workout fuel, I love knowing exactly what’s in these bars. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!