Easy Granola Bars
Make homemade granola bars with real ingredients—no preservatives. Easy recipe with oats, nuts, and seeds ready in 50 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal.
- 2
Combine the melted coconut oil and almond butter in a large mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- 3
Pour the honey and vanilla extract into the wet ingredients and stir vigorously until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, about 1 minute.
- 4
Fold the rolled oats, chopped almonds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and raisins into the honey mixture using a sturdy spoon or spatula.
- 5
Add the ground flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sea salt, and cinnamon to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the base.
- 6
Press the granola mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared baking pan, using the back of a measuring cup or your hands to create a solid, compact layer about 3/4-inch thick.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges turn light golden brown and the center appears set but still slightly soft.
- 8
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 15 minutes without disturbing the mixture.
- 9
Once cooled, lift the entire granola block out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
- 10
Cut the cooled granola into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neater edges.
- 11
Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| honey | pure maple syrup or brown rice syrup | These syrups offer a lower glycemic impact and provide different micronutrients while maintaining the same binding properties needed for bar structure |
| almond butter | tahini or sunflower seed butter | These alternatives provide equally healthy fats and protein while being more accessible for those with nut allergies, plus they add subtle earthy flavors |
| coconut oil | ghee or avocado oil | These healthy fat options support inflammation reduction and provide fat-soluble vitamin absorption while maintaining moisture in the bars |
| unsweetened dried cranberries and raisins | chopped dates or dried figs | Dates and figs contain higher fiber content and beneficial polyphenols that support gut health and sustained energy without spiking blood sugar |
| rolled oats | steel-cut oats or sprouted grain flakes | These options offer superior digestibility, lower glycemic response, and increased nutrient bioavailability compared to conventional rolled oats |
| coconut flakes | chopped walnuts or pecans | Walnuts and pecans provide omega-3 fatty acids that actively reduce inflammation and support brain health while reducing processed ingredient dependency |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12)
| Calories | 228 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Protein | 8g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
