Whether on the go or on the couch, you’ll get a boost of energy from these Homemade Granola Bars.
I am not much of an outdoorswoman (unless sitting on a patio drinking cocktails is considered outdoorsy), so homemade granola bars rarely feature in my eating habits. But when the nice weather reveals itself, and my family and I head out to hike the occasional trail, my appetite for such energy-packed treats perks up. That’s the motivation behind this recipe.
We had an impromptu hike planned and absolutely nothing portable in the pantry to pack with us for snacks. I tore apart the cupboard, found a few pantry staples (like oats, cinnamon, and peanut butter), and tossed a few things into a bowl. And you know what? It worked. So easily, in fact, I lamented not trying to make homemade granola bars before. You don’t even have to bake them; all they need to do is chill in the fridge.
I’ve played around with different variations ever since—I test-ran some sugar-free bars and quinoa breakfast bars, to name a few—but this is the recipe I keep coming back to. These bars are crunchy, hold together well, won’t break a tooth, and don’t crumble apart in your backpack. While they’re ideal for hikes, yes, they also work double-duty as the perfect snack for the school pickup line, your desk drawer, or a late-night snack raid.
Are These Homemade Granola Bars Healthy?
With plenty of wholesome ingredients and nothing artificial, these bars are fairly healthy. Old-fashioned oats contain plenty of fiber to help keep you full. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and the coconut chips contain more fiber, plus extra vitamins and minerals. There is also no refined sugar here—just honey—which has a lower glycemic index and won’t cause such a blood sugar spike.
Because these bars are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (just double-check your chocolate chips!), they work for several different diets. If you want to make them vegan, you can swap out the honey for agave or maple syrup.
Are These A Snack Bar Or An Energy Bar?
I consider these bars the best of both worlds. They’re meant to satisfy your hunger, keep you full, give you a little boost of energy, and still taste like something you’d want to eat. I wanted them to fit the bill whether you were on your way to the gym or just craving a snack at home.
I also wanted to keep them simple; they’re not loaded with protein powders, and you won’t need to buy a ton of different nuts and seeds from the store. They focus on real, familiar ingredients that come together to make something satisfying, simple, and doable.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
These granola bars were made for advance prep. Just follow the recipe, cool them off in the fridge, and then cut them up. Stock them in a tight jar or airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade granola bars are perfect for mornings on the go. Pair yours with an Iced Latte (with some homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer) and your breakfast is settled. Later in the day, they make a great energy-packed snack for those of you gym-bound. And if you want to embrace the full DIY route, you could even make your own homemade peanut butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, or Pistachio Butter to enjoy with your bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- pinch sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded dried coconut
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a squared baking dish with parchment paper. Add the oats, salt, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Stir well.
- Roughly chop the dark chocolate chips. Add along with the shredded coconut to the oat mixture.
- Mix the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract in with the dry ingredients until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to flatten the surface evenly.
- Cover the baking tray and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes.
- Once the oats are set and hard, lift them out of the dish and use a sharp knife to slice them into eight even bars.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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