Homemade Crunchy Granola Bar Recipe
This Homemade Crunchy Granola Bar Recipe is a delicious and healthy snack option that is perfect for on-the-go or snacking at home. Made with rolled oats, nuts, dark chocolate, and coconut flakes, these granola bars are packed with nutrients and flavor. They are also customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make them even more delicious.
Granola bars have become a staple in many people’s diets as a convenient and tasty snack. However, store-bought options can often be filled with added sugars and preservatives that may not align with our health goals. That’s why making your granola bars at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients that you use.
Next time you are looking for a delicious snack recipe give this Homemade Nut Free Granola recipe a try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Granola Bar Recipe
These homemade granola bars are a cinch to make and healthier snack for both kids and adults!
- Not only is this homemade version cheaper than the store-bought granola bars, but they also taste so much better.
- You only use wholesome ingredients so that you can feel good about feeding these bars to your family.
- You’ll love the healthy fats and protein you get from almonds, peanuts that will keep you satisfied for hours!
- These bars are great for an after-school snack or to take with you on a hike or road trip for quick energy.
- You also might like these protein balls or these low carb cinnamon almonds. For a heartier snack that’s good to keep in the car, I like to keep a jar of healthy trail mix or a small cooler with mini cheese ball bites.
Ingredients Needed
You will need a few simple ingredients to help you make this delicious recipe. Gather these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store and you will have a tasty snack for your family and friends.
- quick oats – old fashioned oats.
- rice crispy cereal – off brand cereal works great for this recipe.
- whole almonds –
- dry roasted peanuts
- honey
- vanilla extract
- sea salt
- dark chocolate candy bars
- shredded coconut – I like to use unsweetened coconut.
How to Make This Homemade Crunchy Granola Bar Recipe
Making these homemade granola bars is simple. Just follow these step-by-step instructions or find the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl combine oats, rice cereal, almonds and peanuts.
Step 2: Make the filling.
In a small saucepan whisk together honey, vanilla, and sea salt. Bring to a rolling boil and pour over dry ingredients. Fold into ingredients and mix until coated with honey. Pour into prepared pan and pack down ingredients with a spatula or spoon.
Step 3: Bake the bars.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and press granola down again.
Step 4: Top the bars.
Place chocolate pieces on top and put back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Take out of the oven and with a rubber spatula spread chocolate until a thin layer coats the top. Sprinkle coconut over chocolate and nuts. Gently pat ingredients into the chocolate.
Substitutions and Additions
Want to change up this homemade granola bar recipe and make it your own? Here are a few of my favorite swaps and additions for this tasty snack.
- Want a maple flavor? Swap out the honey and use pure maple syrup instead.
- For a little crunch try adding some sunflower seeds, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or different nuts that you have on hand.
- You can add a little protein to your bars by adding in a small amount of peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite nut or seed butter.
How To Store
Store the homemade crunchy granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Make sure to keep them away from heat sources so that the chocolate topping doesn’t melt.
To Freeze – These granola bars freeze well too, so make a stash to have available at anytime! Keep in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to ensure that this recipe turns out perfectly for you when you make it. Follow these tips so that you can make this perfect on-the-go snack.
- I recommend that you spray your baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray so that the granola does not stick. Or, you could use a foil-lined baking sheet instead.
- Press the granola into an even layer on your baking sheet so that it cooks evenly.
- The granola could be golden brown when you remove it from the oven, that’s how you will know that they are done baking.
FAQs
Do you have questions about these crunchy baked granola bars? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this great recipe.
Yes, you can freeze these baked granola bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container before placing them in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
These homemade granola bars will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
The easiest way to cut these granola bars is to let them cool completely before cutting them into desired shapes with a sharp knife. You can also use a pizza cutter for easier, more precise cuts.
Other Delicious Granola Recipes You May Enjoy
Crunch Granola Bar Recipe
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- small saucepan
- rimmed baking sheet or cookie sheet 8" x 10"
- pizza cutter or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 1/2 cups rice crispy cereal
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- TOPPING
- 2 dark chocolate candy bars
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Line a 8 X 10 pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl combine oats, rice cereal, almonds and peanuts.
- In a small sauce pan whisk together honey, vanilla and sea salt. Bring to a rolling boil and pour over dry ingredients. Fold into ingredients and mix until coated with honey. Pour into prepared pan and pack down ingredients with a spatula or spoon.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and pat down ingredients again. Place chocolate pieces on top and put back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Take out of oven and with a rubber spatula spread chocolate until a thin layer coats the top. Sprinkle coconut over chocolate and nuts. Gently pat ingredients into the chocolate. Let cool until chocolate hardens (place in refrigerator to speed cooling). Remove foil and cut into 8-10 bars.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
These bars sound AMAZING!!! Perfect afternoon snack!!
What a healthy and tasty addition to our day.
I love these types of bars! They look crunchy and super delicious!
It’s my husband’s favorite flavor combination too and since I’m sharing I thought he would appreciate the topping!
Great hike and perfect snack & beverage! I do a lot of running & hiking and always need good fuel for the day. This looks excellent!
Thanks, Debra! I think these granola bars have the perfect combination of carbs and protein for a pick-me-up any time of day!
Those granola bars look terrific! I’ve only been dangerously dehydrated once and I never want that to happen again. 🙂
I’m with you on that, Maureen! Your whole body can do havoc if it’s not properly hydrated!
I lovemaking granola. Have not yet managed to make a good granola bar. This one looks really scrumptious! Im putting it on my menu soon!
Oh, yes! Granola gets sprinkled on yogurt, oatmeal and ice cream and the bars are great for snacking all on its own!
I have made Granolas in the past but they never turned out this good. Your recipe is so amazing.
You’re so nice, Rini! I know yours are just as delicious. You can’t fool me 😉
These granola bars look absolutely amazing! There is pretty much nothing about these that I don’t love, lol. 🙂 Perfect pre-workout fuel!
Grab one and gooo! That’s what I like about these bars too 🙂
This looks like the perfect refueling snack, especially on these summer days I’m finding myself running around like crazy. I got a fit bit too recently and I was very surprised at how much I actually walk. On the days I’m not hitting my goal, I drive my husband nuts by doing laps through the kitchen and living room while we’re watching tv.
haha! My co-worker was telling me that she gets on her treadmill that happens to be in their bedroom at 11:00 pm getting those steps in! Our husbands don’t know how lucky they are 😉
Your dark chocolate coconut granola bars look so good that I would have mine eaten before I even hit the hiking rail. Well it would at least be less to carry… LOL Loving your outdoor shots! Wishing you a super day!
Thank you, Bobbi! I was excited to show some of my stopping grounds! These granola bars are hard to resist, that’s for sure 🙂
Oh. My. WOW. These look amazing. I was hooked as soon as I saw almonds and chocolate!
Are they an amazing combination?! I love chocolate covered everything – lol!
I love to hike, but we don’t have much hiking here in FL. We do have lots of heat and sun, so I always keep my SmartWater with me! Your bars look great, Sandra! Perfect treat!!
Thank you, Marion! Florida does get the heat! Lots of water activities I bet.
My phone came with an app that tracks my steps. I agree it’s a big motivator. Like you, I’ll find myself “finishing up” that last 1000 steps before going to bed.
This is a fantastic recipe. I have been seeing homemade granola bars a lot lately, and I really need to give it a shot. Pinned.
Do it! Thank you for pinning, Michelle!
Wow Sandra…these look great. Perfect for a long hike, or an after sports power snack.
Granola bars definitely hit the spot when you need something to fill the tummy!
Ok, seriously, these bars are YUMILICIOUS! Yup, worthy of a made-up word!
I am a huge water drinker. Chocolate martinis, too, but those just won’t due on a long walk. 😉
I drink water all day long, and some days a lot more than others when it’s super hot outside. Chocolate martinis? Holy yum! Yes, please!!
Loved reading your blog post and definitely those delish looking Dark Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars caught my attention!!!
They’re super good, especially if you’re a chocolate lover 🙂
Looks like some great hiking trails! These granola bars look fantastic! I’d love them anytime!
I never get bored, Sheena with trails like we have here! The granola bars are super easy to make and I try to keep a stash in the freezer so they’re always available.
That looks amazing! I love making granola bars for the kids to snack on and it’s great to have new recipes.
I hope you’ll give this one a try, Erlene! I bet these will be a hit with your kids 🙂
I’m not sure I could stop with just one of these!
I could do some damage with these granola bars, but I’ve been sharing nicely!
These looks so delicious!! What a fantastic recipe! I love drinking Smart Water! 🙂
Yum! What a great, healthy homemade alternative.
Not as expensive as the pre-packaged bars either. I think these taste much better too 🙂
These looks so good!! It is awesome that you are staying hydrated with SmartWater too! (client)
I don’t have a FitBit but it seems like everyone I know does these days. I might need to get with the program! 🙂 Love this granola bar recipe and I am going to have to check out SmartWater too!
It was a Costco impulse buy for me, but I really like it! Keeps me motivated to keep moving! Smartwater has some electrolytes that are great for runners – so clean tasting too!
I am all about my FitBit AND Smartwater…now i have to make those yummy granola bars so I can add them to my “must have” list!
Yes! Yes you do 🙂
I just bought a FitBit too – I love testing myself each day to walk more and more steps. Definitely need to make this granola bar and pick up some Smart Water the next time I’m challenging myself!
That little gadget sure is a motivator! I have another watch with a heart monitor that does basically the same thing, but that’s so cumbersome! Definitely keep fueled!