The Best Granola Bar

Discover why this simple yet irresistible recipe truly earns the title of *The Best Granola Bar*. Packed with wholesome ingredients like toasted rolled oats, crunchy almonds, and walnuts, these bars are sweetened naturally with honey and feature delightful bursts of flavor from dried cranberries and apricots. A hint of vanilla and buttery richness brings everything together, while optional mini chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. Perfect as a make-ahead snack or breakfast on the go, these homemade granola bars are baked to perfection with golden edges and a chewy texture. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, they’re a healthier, customizable alternative to store-bought options and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. Whether you’re meal-prepping or satisfying a mid-day craving, this granola bar recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup dried apricots (chopped)
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2

Spread the rolled oats, almonds, and walnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even toasting. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts, dried cranberries, and dried apricots. Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until everything is well-coated.

Step 5

If using mini chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly before gently folding them in to avoid melting.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the bars will hold together when cut.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely in the pan (about 1–2 hours). This step is crucial for the bars to set properly.

Step 9

Once cooled, lift the granola out using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a cutting board. Cut into 12 bars using a sharp knife.

Step 10

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	819.9 grams (819.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3681

Total Fat 220.70g	283%
Saturated Fat 46.60g	233%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 132mg	44%
Sodium 926mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate 387.80g	141%
Dietary Fiber 55.40g	198%
Total Sugars 220.90g
Protein 92.60g	185%

Vitamin D 9IU	45%
Calcium 727mg	56%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 3766mg	80%

*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: 50.8%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 39.7%