Healthy Granola Bars Recipe

These healthy granola bars are a delightful blend of chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and a hint of sweetness, making them an ideal snack for any time of the day. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer a nutritious alternative to store-bought options, ensuring you know exactly what you’re consuming.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and honey.
• No-Bake Convenience: Requires no oven time, making preparation quick and easy.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
• Nutritious: Provides a good source of fiber and healthy fats.
• Perfect for On-the-Go: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout fuel.I Heart Naptime

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2½ cups whole rolled oats
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons pepitas or crushed peanuts/cashewsErin Lives Whole+19Love and Lemons+19Back for Seconds+19Erin Lives Whole+1Love and Lemons+1

Directions

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and pepitas (or nuts) to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly to flatten and compact the mixture evenly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set.
6. Once set, remove from the pan and cut into bars of desired size.Love and Lemons

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 bars
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutesAllrecipes+7Minimalist Baker+7Leelalicious+7Pinterest+3The Real Food Dietitians+3The Guardian+3The Big Man’s World ®+15Beaming Baker+15The Dish On Healthy+15Well Plated+20Love and Lemons+20Reddit+20

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace honey with brown rice syrup or maple syrup. Note that maple syrup may result in a less cohesive bar; consider forming into energy balls instead.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and opt for nut-free mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or chia seeds for added flavor and nutrition.Love and Lemons+1Inspired Taste+1Everyday Easy Eats

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze bars for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Serving: For best texture, allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before consuming.Love and Lemons

FAQs

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

You can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works well.

Can I make these granola bars vegan?

Yes, replace honey with brown rice syrup or maple syrup. Keep in mind that maple syrup may not bind the bars as effectively, so forming them into energy balls might be preferable.The Guardian+5Love and Lemons+5Inspired Taste+5

How can I make the bars less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or use unsweetened nut butter. Additionally, limit or omit sweet add-ins like chocolate chips.Glamour

Can I bake these granola bars?

This recipe is designed as a no-bake version. Baking may alter the texture and is not recommended for this specific formulation.

How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?

Ensure thorough mixing of ingredients and press the mixture firmly into the pan. Chilling for the recommended time helps the bars set properly.Love and Lemons

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, the bars are gluten-free.Love and Lemons

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Yes, you can incorporate a scoop of your preferred protein powder. You may need to adjust the amount of wet ingredients to maintain the right consistency.

What other mix-ins can I add?

Feel free to add dried fruits, seeds, or spices like cinnamon to customize the flavor and nutritional profile of your bars.

How long do these granola bars last?

Stored in the refrigerator, they last up to 1 week. In the freezer, they can be kept for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredient quantities and use a larger pan to accommodate the increased volume.I Heart Naptime+3The Guardian+3Minimalist Baker+3

Conclusion

These healthy granola bars are a versatile and nutritious snack option that you can easily prepare at home. With simple ingredients and no baking required, they offer a convenient solution for busy lifestyles. Customize them to your taste preferences and enjoy a wholesome treat any time of the day

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