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Chewy, Naturally Sweetened Homemade Granola Bars

Close-up of a single, chewy homemade granola bar packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, sitting on a white dish.
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Make easy, chewy homemade granola bars that are naturally sweetened and perfect for healthy snacking or lunch boxes. This customizable recipe is better than store-bought.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, chopped nuts, and mini chocolate chips. Mix these dry ingredients well.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and easily pourable. Do not let it boil.
  4. Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spatula or another piece of parchment paper. Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together.
  6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is important for texture.
  8. Once completely cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the block of granola out of the pan. Cut into 12 to 16 bars.

Notes

  • For a softer, no-bake version, skip step 1 and 4. Warm the wet ingredients slightly, mix with dry ingredients, press into the pan, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  • Customize your bars by substituting dried fruit, seeds, or different types of chocolate chips for the nuts or cereal.
  • Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/homemade-granola-bars-chewy-recipe/