Oatmeal Granola Bars

These homemade oatmeal granola bars are the perfect balance of hearty, wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor, making them an ideal grab-and-go snack or breakfast option. Packed with old-fashioned rolled oats, crunchy nuts, and naturally sweetened with honey and dried fruits, these bars are both nutritious and delicious. A touch of cinnamon and vanilla adds warmth, while optional mini chocolate chips offer a delightful treat. The recipe is easy to follow, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time, and the bars bake to golden perfection in only 20 minutes. Enjoy them as a make-ahead solution for busy weekdays, whether stored at room temperature, in the fridge for a firmer texture, or even in the freezer for longer freshness.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.25 cup butter
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.75 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
• 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat the oats and nuts evenly.

Step 5

Once the mixture is slightly cool (but still warm), fold in the dried fruits and mini chocolate chips, if using. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (dampened with water to prevent sticking) to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking, as the bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 8

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. For easier slicing, refrigerate for 30 minutes after cooling.

Step 9

Once cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 12 evenly sized bars.

Step 10

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	697 grams (697.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3040

Total Fat 146.50g	188%
Saturated Fat 48.60g	243%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 132mg	44%
Sodium 945mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate 414.90g	151%
Dietary Fiber 40.70g	145%
Total Sugars 262.20g
Protein 50.10g	100%

Vitamin D 9IU	45%
Calcium 382mg	29%
Iron 16mg	86%
Potassium 2684mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.5%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 52.2%