Skip the bought snacks. These Homemade Granola Bars are healthy and made with ingredients you can pronounce. This easy no-bake granola bar recipe is perfect for having on hand all the time. Even the kids can help make them.
Which granola bar do you prefer? Crispy, or soft chewy granola bars? I happen to like both. What I don’t like about store bought granola bars are all the additives, preservatives, sugars, and the ingredients that I don’t have a clue about. Honestly, if I can’t pronounce it, I really don’t want to eat it.
Have you ever made granola bars at home? They really are easier than you think. The no-bake versions are quick and easy to whip up in a few minutes. Even the baked granola bars are not difficult to make. The best part about making granola bars at home is that you have control over the ingredients. Free of refined sugars, they can be made gluten-free, vegan and even fit into the “raw” good category too.
Hubby and I love to hike. Now that the nice weather is finally here, we have been enjoying our outdoor treks. On most days, even if we are not hiking, we try to get in a 5 mile walk.
I always have lots of heathy 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.
If we are going out for several hours, we like to take along some snacks. These homemade granola bars and trail mix bites are our favourites. Easy to pack, and easy to eat. The best part is you can create your own flavour combinations with your favourite ingredients. Nutritious and delicious, these bars are way better than anything out of a package.
How To Make Homemade Granola Bars
Healthy granola bar ingredients are simple and nutritious. Most people already have them in their pantry. Some examples are:
- oatmeal (spelt, Kamut, or other flakes)
- peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- coconut oil
- hemp hearts
- chia seeds
- dried fruit (apples, bananas, raisins, cranberries, blueberries, dates, cherries etc.)
- honey
- agave nectar
- apple sauce
- chocolate chips (just because)
- coconut
- nuts & seeds (of all kinds)
- cocoa
- protein powder
Did you happen to notice you actually can spell and pronounce all of these ingredients? Try that with store bought granola bars. Yes, I know there are some out there that you actually can read all the ingredients, but there are lots that you cannot.
Homemade granola bar recipes really are just a combination of any of the above ingredients. Pick your favourites. For this granola bar recipe, I used oatmeal, peanut butter, coconut oil, agave nectar, hemp hearts, dried bananas, chocolate chips and protein powder. You can substitute whatever you don’t like with ingredients that you do like.
In a pot, I warmed the peanut butter, agave nectar, and coconut oil until it was melted and you could easily mix it. I placed all the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl. When the peanut butter mixture was ready, I poured it into the mixing bowl and combined ingredients well.
I placed this mixture into a parchment paper lined square baking dish. Using the bottom of a glass (or measuring cup), flatten it evenly around the dish. Place in the fridge to harden. That’s it! Literally 15 minutes from start to finish.
If you have never made granola bars at home, give this recipe a try. Snacks should be easy, healthy and nutritious. These Homemade Granola Bars are great for on-the-go whether you are hiking, getting the kids from one game to another, or you need a quick breakfast or lunch.
When the fall season rolls around, you will for sure want to try this holiday spiced granola recipe. It makes the perfect food gift.
What is your favourite granola bar flavour?
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Homemade Granola Bars Healthy No-Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups oatmeal (I used large flake)
- 1/2 cup agave nectar
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 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 (8x8 or 9x9) 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.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition Information
Notes
Supriya Kutty
Yummy recipe. I would like to make it for my daughter as snacks and can also take it to my office so that I can stop my cravings for junk food and stay healthy. These bars look so tempting that I can wait to prepare them. Keep sharing such delicious recipe ideas.
Homemade & Yummy
These are my husband’s favourite. He gets upset when there are none…so I have to make more LOL!!
Kushi
Homemade bara are the best. Can’t wait to try your version. Looks amazingly delicious.
Homemade & Yummy
These are super easy to make…we always have some on hand.
Michelle Blackwood
This is such a hearty and healthy recipe, I love all the ingredients and that it is no bake. I’m already thinking of the many trips I will be taking this summer and these bars will be perfect to take with us.
Homemade & Yummy
These are the perfect take along bars…for hiking or car trips.
Julie
My 3 year old loves granola bars for breakfast, so I’m always looking for new recipes to try. Can’t wait to give this one a go!
Homemade & Yummy
Well hope he enjoys these. Best part is that you can make them with the ingredients HE likes.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
You had me at no bake! I love how easy these are and how delicious these look!! Looks like I found my new snack to make this week!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do. We have them in the fridge all the time.
lauren
What a quick, easy recipe! This is perfect to make with the little ones and full of all the healthy good things. A great snack to pack and keep in your purse too. Have to say I’m mostly team chewy granola but I’ll settle for a crunchy here and there.
Homemade & Yummy
Well I would say this is sort of “in between”….but we love it.
Rezel Kealoha
This is perfect to make and take to picnics this summer with the kids! This is defiantly going on rotation for healthy snacks!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes…we will be watching the grandkids 2 days a week for the summer. These bars will be flying out of the kitchen for sure.
Carol Borchardt
We’re going to be taking a number of summer road trips this summer and this recipe is going to come in very handy! Love that it doesn’t require baking!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes easy and delicious, especially for summer. Enjoy your road trips.
Femi. O
I honestly can’t believe you got your no-bake granola bars to look so well formed as my baked ones usually tend to crumble quickly! I’ll definitely be trying this!
Homemade & Yummy
The trick is a sharp knife!!