Homemade Granola Bars are healthy and made with ingredients you can pronounce. Skip the store-bought bars and make them instead.
This easy no-bake oat bar recipe is perfect for having on hand all the time. Even the kids can have some fun with these DIY snack bars.
A healthy snack bar that is vegan-friendly, and can be made gluten-free too.
Which granola bar do you prefer? Crispy, or soft chewy granola bars? I happen to like both.
How about trail mix snack balls? My grandkids have lots of fun with this recipe.
What I don’t like about store-bought granola bars are all the additives, preservatives, sugars, and ingredients that I don’t have a clue about. Honestly, if I can’t pronounce it, I really don’t want to eat it.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for these easy homemade granola bars can be found at the bottom of this post.
Hubby and I love to hike and have been enjoying our outdoor treks. On most days, even if we are not hiking, we try to get in a 40-minute walk most days. I always have lots of healthy things to eat to help keep our energy levels up. When you are walking for a few hours, nutrition is key. Hard-boiled eggs, fruits, and veggies are always stocked in the fridge.
Healthy Granola Bar Ingredients
Simple and nutritious ingredients. Most people already have them in their pantry.
- Oatmeal (I like large flake)
- Agave Nectar
- Peanut Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Hemp Hearts
- Dried Banana Chips
- Chocolate Chips
- Protein Powder
There is lots of wiggle room with this recipe. Continue reading, I list great substitutions and ingredient swaps.
Making No-Bake Homemade Granola Bars Is Easy
This homemade energy bar recipe is just a combination of the listed ingredients.
- Line a baking pan with parchment. This makes it really easy to get the bars out.
- Combine all the dry ingredients into a large bowl.
- Warm the remaining ingredients in a small pot. You could also heat them in a microwave.
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Place the mixture into the baking dish. Flatten, and place the dish into the fridge to harden.
- After about 1 hour, remove from fridge and cut into bars.
Store bars in a sealed container in the fridge. They will last for up to a week, however, these are devoured long before that LOL.
Substitutions/Variations
These healthy protein bars can be made just the way you like.
- Gluten-free oats can be used for regular oats.
- You can combine the oats with kamut flakes, spelt flakes or any flaked grains.
- Honey can be used in place of agave nectar.
- Peanut butter can be replaced with any type of nut butter.
- Dried banana chips can be replaced with any dried fruit. Cranberries, Goji berries or dried blueberries would work great.
- You can add coconut or any other type of nut if you wish.
- Chocolate chips can be swapped out for dark chocolate.
- Don’t like protein powder, no problem. You don’t even have to use it. Try a spoonful of cocoa powder instead.
- Applesauce can replace the coconut oil.
FAQ
I have found the best binder to be honey or agave nectar. If you find the combined mixture too dry, add a little more of either to reach the desired consistency.
Absolutely. I like to wrap them individually in plastic. Perfect for pulling out of the freezer when hiking, adding to lunch boxes, or eating on the run. They thaw quickly.
Other Oatmeal Recipes
Looking for more recipes using oatmeal? Here are a few of our favourites:
- Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Donuts are a hit with the grandkids. Packed with nutritious ingredients. Yes you can eat donuts for breakfast.
- Homemade Muesli is so much better than the boxed stuff. You can customize it just the way you like.
- Festive Granola makes a great foodie gift for the holidays. Your house will smell just like Christmas while this bakes.
- Oatmeal Pancakes are hearty and nutritious. Perfect for weekend brunch. They freeze well too.
- Apple Oatmeal Muffins are great with your morning coffee.
- Overnight Chocolate Oats make breakfast easy and stress-free in the morning.
- Baked Breakfast Casserole is like eating dessert for breakfast.
- No one can resist a fresh baked Chewy Oatmeal Cookie.
- Granola Dust is the best yogurt topper ever. This is a fun Jamie Oliver recipe.
- This homeade oats and seed bread recipe is a delicious kitchen project for a rainy day.
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Homemade Granola Bars (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- 3 cups oatmeal (I used large flake)
- ½ cup agave nectar
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- 2 ounces banana chips (crushed)
- 2 ounces chocolate chips
- 1 ounce chocolate protein powder (or your favourite flavour)
Instructions
- Line a square baking dish (8×8 or 9×9) with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the peanut butter, agave nectar and coconut oil. Heat until melted and easy to mix. Remove from heat.
- Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients, and combine well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using the bottom of a glass, press to flatten evenly.
- Place in the fridge to harden. About 1 hour or so.
- Remove from fridge. Using a sharp knife, cut into bars.
Chandice Probst
These are the perfect afternoon snack especially since we have lots of kids and want healthy options that aren’t too hard to make. Thank you!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I totally agree, these DIY granola bars are perfect for snacking.
Jamie
I love how I can make this at home! It makes a great snack or quick breakfast for those busy mornings!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Perfect for eating on the run. These granola bars are so easy to make.
Tristin
Tried out this recipe because I really love making my kids homemade snacks for school, it is a winner! Love that it’s all healthful ingredients. Thanks for another great recipe Gloria.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are very welcome. These homemade granola bars are a favourite of my hubby too.
Jenny
Wholesome and lovely granola bars! Your recipe will be a staple in our home. I love how easy it is. Thanks so much!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are very welcome. I will admit this granola bar recipe is a hit here too.
Dennis
I wanted a snack yesterday and saw your post. Those bars were OMG delicious!!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I think they are deliciously addictive.ENJOY!
Elaine
Perfect granola bars to make at home, that’s for sure. I mean, this recipe is easy to follow and the result is outstanding! What else to wish for?
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I have to agree with you, these granola bars are super easy and super delicious too.
Sharon
These homemade granola bars are so much better than store brought! They are great to make for snacks during the week too.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Yes homemade granola bars are much better than store-bought hands down.
Heidy Linn
I made these Homemade Granola Bars this morning and went to reach for one this evening—POOF, the kids, and husband devoured them. The one I did get to eat was terrific. I guess I have to make a batch and hide them for myself. Sad but true. Have a great day!!!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Well they sure do not last long here either. So glad your family enjoyed these homemade granola bars.
Liz
I love making homemade granola bars! So simple!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Simple and delicious is always a winner with me.
Megan Ellam
Such a great recipe and so delicious! Thanks for sharing constant inspiration.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. Hope you enjoy these homemade granola bars.
Natalie
I started exercising again, so I need energizing granola snacks like this to boost me up after workouts. I’m going to make these bars. They sound healthy and yummy!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
We love these bars, and are great for post or pre-workout.
Gail Montero
You’ve got all my favorite flavors here like peanut butter and chocolate! Love it!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These DIY granola bars are a favorite here.
Melanie
No bake? say no more! This looks like the perfect snack on the go! Also, you can’t go wrong with PB!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, these are perfect for on the go eating.
Julie
I made these for my sons to take on a car trip and everyone loved them! So perfect and tasty. This one is a keeper for sure.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad everyone loved these homemade bars.
Claudia Lamascolo
My grandson loved these and has asked me more than once to make them. Super easy delicious and never a need to buy them ever again! thanks for sharing you fantastic recipe.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
My grandkids love these bars too.