Homemade Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars bursting with oats, coconut, nuts, and honey, perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast on the go, suited for health-conscious and busy individuals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread oats, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, wheat germ, and slivered almonds on a 9 x 12-inch baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine with dark brown sugar and honey over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir vanilla extract into the honey mixture.
- Combine the toasted dry ingredients with the honey mixture in a large bowl.
- Add raisins and mix thoroughly.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Ensure to mix the dry ingredients well before combining with the wet mixture to achieve an even distribution of flavors. If you prefer a sweeter granola bar, add more dark brown sugar or honey according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these granola bars as a quick breakfast or snack on the go. They pair beautifully with a cup of yogurt or fresh fruit, making them a perfect companion for a healthy start to the day. For a delightful treat, serve alongside a slice of Chocolate Coconut Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can extend freshness for up to two weeks. If you prefer them warm, briefly microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Granola Bars contains roughly 797 calories, with 12g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the oats with another grain?
Yes, you can use quinoa flakes or puffed rice as alternatives to rolled oats. However, this may change the texture of the granola bars. Adjust the binding ingredients slightly if needed to maintain consistency.
How can I make these bars chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, increase the amount of honey or add a tablespoon of nut butter. This addition will help bind the ingredients better and create a softer bite.
Can I add other mix-ins to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your granola bars by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Just be mindful of the total volume of dry ingredients to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).