Easy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe with Honey

BySoha

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own granola bars at home—especially when they’re chewy, nutty, and perfectly sweetened with honey. Unlike store-bought bars, these are free from preservatives and refined sugar, yet taste even better. Crafted with wholesome ingredients and a touch of golden honey, this recipe offers both nutrition and comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a breakfast on the go or a midday energy boost, these homemade bars deliver pure, natural goodness.

homemade granola bars

Ingredients List

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
  • ½ cup honey (preferably raw or organic)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and aromatic. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, honey, and sugar together. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles gently. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Pour the warm honey mixture over and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-coated. Work quickly before the mixture cools and hardens.

Step 4: Shape and Set

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan, pressing it down firmly using the back of a spatula. Compacting is key to keeping the bars from crumbling.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Let the granola mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 10 minutes
  • Cooling/Setting: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Servings

Makes 10–12 bars, depending on desired size.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 12 g

Storage Instructions

Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Suggestions

  • Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an omega-3 boost.
  • Drizzle dark chocolate over the bars for a gourmet touch.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and ensure your honey substitute (like maple syrup) is pure.
  • Enjoy as a pre-workout snack or crumble it over yogurt for breakfast.

Seasonal Relevance

Perfect year-round, but especially delightful in spring and autumn, when you crave nourishing, energy-packed snacks. In warmer months, keep them refrigerated for a refreshing, chewy treat; in cooler weather, they pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea.

Conclusion

These Easy Homemade Granola Bars with Honey strike the perfect balance between health and indulgence. They’re customizable, satisfying, and far superior to any packaged version. With their golden hue, nutty crunch, and natural sweetness, these bars will quickly become your go-to recipe for wholesome snacking—crafted with love, baked with purpose, and enjoyed by all.

Easy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe with Honey
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Easy Homemade Granola Bars Recipe with Honey

Recipe by Soha
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

210

kcal
Total time

25

minutes

These Easy Homemade Granola Bars with Honey are chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened—perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or post-workout energy. Made with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and golden honey, they’re wholesome, customizable, and far better than any store-bought version.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped

  • ½ cup honey (raw or organic preferred)

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter or coconut oil

  • ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

  • ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp sea salt

  • Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread oats and nuts on a baking sheet; toast for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter, honey, and sugar together. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.
  • In a bowl, combine toasted oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Pour in the honey mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  • Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan.
  • Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Cut into bars and enjoy.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • For a vegan option, use coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and honey.
  • Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrients.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all mix-ins, like chocolate or dried fruits, are labeled gluten-free.

Q2: How can I make the bars extra chewy instead of crunchy?
Increase the honey slightly (by about 2 tablespoons) and reduce the baking time for toasting the oats to 8 minutes. The extra moisture helps retain chewiness.

Q3: What’s the best way to prevent the bars from falling apart?
Press the mixture down very firmly into the pan and chill long enough before cutting. Using a warm, sharp knife can also help achieve clean cuts.

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