Description
These homemade chewy granola bars are a batch-cooking champion, perfect for back-to-school lunches. Made with simple ingredients like oats, honey, and nuts, they are naturally sweetened, customizable, and hold together well in lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds or chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Spread rolled oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, toasted nuts, dried fruit, flax seeds (if using), and salt.
- In a microwave-safe measuring cup or small saucepan, combine butter, honey, and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals or heat on low, stirring until smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm honey-butter mixture over the oat mixture and fold with a sturdy spatula until every oat is coated and the mixture forms a sticky, cohesive mass.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and tightly using parchment paper or a greased measuring cup to ensure chewy texture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour or refrigerate for 20 minutes) to set.
- Lift the block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 large or 16 smaller bars using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
Notes
Do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats; old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct chewy texture. Toasting the nuts and oats beforehand significantly enhances flavor. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is crucial to prevent crumbling. Ensure bars cool completely before cutting to allow them to set. For nut-free versions, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and nuts with seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: granola bars, back to school snacks, oat bars, honey oat bars, healthy snacks, batch cooking, chewy granola bars, lunchbox ideas