Description

Chewy, naturally sweetened homemade granola bars that stay soft for days. Perfect for back-to-school lunches, these bars are easy to make, customizable, and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (270g) Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
1/2 cup (170g) Honey
1/2 cup (128g) Creamy Peanut Butter
2 tablespoons (30ml) Neutral Oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup (60g) Dried Fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins, chopped dates)
1/2 cup (85g) Chocolate Chips (optional)
1/4 cup (30g) Seeds (e.g., chia, flax, or pumpkin)
1/2 cup (60g) Nuts, chopped (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal, and spray with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried fruit, seeds, and nuts (if using). Toss to distribute evenly.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, and salt. Stir constantly until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals.
Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold with a spatula until every oat is coated. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and tightly using the bottom of a measuring cup or spatula to ensure bars hold together.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. The center may look soft but will firm up as it cools.
Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack (at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results).
Lift the block out of the pan using the parchment sling. Cut into 12 large or 16 smaller bars.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Do not use quick oats as they will make the bars mushy. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Cool completely before cutting to ensure bars hold their shape. For school-safe lunches, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 85
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5

Keywords: granola bars, homemade granola bars, soft granola bars, school lunch ideas, healthy snacks, gluten-free snacks, honey granola bars, meal prep snacks