Homemade Granola Bars
To make Homemade Granola Bars, bind oats and mix-ins with a warm honey mixture, press firmly into a pan, and bake until the slab holds together cleanly. They work because the bars are pressed enough to stay intact without turning hard.
These homemade granola bars hold together the way store-bought ones promise to and rarely do. A warm honey mixture binds the oats and mix-ins, and pressing it firm into the pan before baking is what keeps every bar intact instead of crumbling in the lunchbox.
They're a good make-ahead snack for busy mornings or an easy dinner recipe sidekick for lunchboxes all week. Simple pantry ingredients, no mystery wrapper required. Gather what you need and let's get these in the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1Heat the oven to 325°F and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment.
- 2Warm the honey, sugar, butter, and salt just until melted and smooth.
- 3Stir in the oats and oats, honey, and peanut butter until everything is coated.
- 4Press firmly into the pan.
- 5Bake until lightly golden at the edges, then cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Pressing firmly is what helps the bars stay bars.
- Let them cool all the way before cutting.
- A little extra salt makes sweet bars taste more like food and less like cardboard ambition.
Substitutions
Storage Instructions
Store airtight for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead
These are ideal for a make-ahead snack week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Homemade Granola Bars ahead of time?
Yes. These are ideal for a make-ahead snack week.
How do I store leftover Homemade Granola Bars?
Store airtight for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Homemade Granola Bars?
Usually yes. Cool it completely, pack it well, and freeze for up to 2 months if the texture of the dish supports it.
What should I serve with Homemade Granola Bars?
Homemade Granola Bars works best with simple sides or toppings that support the main texture instead of competing with it.