Who needs store-bought granola bars when you can make your own? With simple, wholesome ingredients this easy to make Homemade Granola Bars recipe is a snack that's sure to impress your whole family!
Check out some other tasty snack recipes like Buffalo Chex Mix, Salami Chips, Candied Pecans and Everything Pita Chips.
Granola Bars
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I'm not sure I've ever met a person who doesn't love eating a granola bar. Growing up, they always felt like a special treat! When I had to choose the snacks to bring to summer camp each year, you can bet granola bars were at the top of my list.
I've never tried my hand at making them myself, but my oldest daughter is getting ready to start kindergarten (!!!) so I figured I'd try my hand at creating a granola bars recipe. I kept the ingredients simple, using items that we typically all keep in our pantries. And I was thrilled with how easily these came together.
Tips for how to make granola bars
- Be sure to line the pan with parchment. Make sure it's big enough so that the paper goes up over the sides. That way, you can pull it out in one piece for easy cutting.
- Make sure you only use ⅔ of the mini chocolate chips when you mix the ingredients together- the rest are for topping the bars.
- When you press the mixture into the prepared pan, you want to pack it in tightly into an even layer. I like to use a glass with a flat bottom for this.
- Be sure to cool them completely before cutting.
Can I use a different add-on instead of mini chocolate chips?
Sure! These homemade granola bars are completely customizable.
- Dried fruit
- Chopped nuts
- Mini marshmallows and small, broken bits of graham crackers for S'mores flavored!
- Mini M&Ms
- Mini white chocolate chips
How long do these easy granola bars last?
These will last up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make them last longer, individually wrap them tightly in parchment paper and secure with tape. Keep the wrapped bars in an airtight container and they should last up to a month. You can also freeze homemade granola bars for up to six months. Just be sure to thaw overnight before packing in lunches.
Is eating granola bars healthy for you?
I hate using the word "healthy" because I think everyone has a different definition of healthy. That said, these are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Everything in moderation!
Ingredients for making homemade granola bars
- Cooking spray
- Quick oats
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Mini chocolate chips
Helpful tools:
- 8" x 8" baking pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking spray onto an 8" x 8" baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving a couple inches out on the sides (for easy removal later). Set aside.
- Mix all ingredients well in a large mixing bowl (pull aside a couple tablespoons of chocolate chips before adding them for topping later).
- Pour the granola into the prepared pan and press in to form an even layer. Then take a drinking glass with a flat bottom and use that to press it in even tighter.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until it's beginning to turn golden. Cool completely (around an hour).
- Pull the extra parchment on the sides to remove the granola bar in one piece. Cut once in across the center and then slice in the other direction to get 12 bars total. Serve immediately or store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3
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