Granola Bars

Skip the store-bought stuff and make granola bars at home! This homemade granola bar recipe is quick, wholesome, and budget-friendly. Plus, it's easy to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

How to Make Granola Bars

It couldn't be easier to make granola bars at home. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

1. Toast the oats and coconut in the oven.
2. Mix the remaining ingredients over medium heat.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the toasted oats and coconut.
4. Baked until the granola has reached the desired texture.
5. Cool completely before cutting.

Are Granola Bars Healthy?

Granola bars can be as healthy as you want them to be! They're super versatile, so you can personalize the ingredients to suit your needs.

This fiber- and protein-packed homemade granola bar recipe calls for a deliciously wholesome mixture of rolled oats, shredded coconut, and peanut butter. It's simply sweetened with honey and vanilla extract, while a pinch of salt enhances the other flavors.

Nicole's Granola Bar Tips

"This is a great recipe that you can customize to make your own," according to culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcmom). Here are some of her favorite ways to switch things up:

· Substitute almond butter (for peanut butter) and/or maple syrup (for honey).
· Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, and/or dried cranberries.
· Don't like coconut? Leave it out! The only absolutely essential ingredients are nut butter, oats, and a sweetener. The rest is entirely up to you.

How to Store Granola Bars

Store the granola bars in a shallow, airtight container with parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. You can also individually wrap each bar in wax or parchment paper. They should last about a week.

Can You Freeze Granola Bars?

Yes, you can freeze homemade granola bars for up to two months. Arrange the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze for a few hours or up to overnight. Transfer the now-frozen bars to a zip-top freezer bag or another freezer-safe container for long-term storage. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Great basic granola bar recipe," says anru7695. "Tasty and easy. Came right out of the (greased) pan. I cut it twice — once while still slightly warm, then I went over the lines again after it had cooled completely. Worked for me."

"Perfect," according to Kelly Hebron. "I added sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, raisins, and chocolate chips. It was a winner in our house! Don't cook it for 15 minutes unless you want it crisp."

"I'm eating some now and it is super duper delicious," raves Rachel Butler. "I baked it for just about 9 minutes and it's wonderfully chewy."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams