The Best Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

I recently whipped up some Homemade Granola Bars Healthy using old fashioned oats, almond butter, raw honey, and chopped nuts with a hint of coconut and vanilla. I find the mix of textures and natural flavors truly satisfying for a quick wholesome snack that is as enjoyable as it is nourishing.

I’ve been experimenting with a new way to snack healthy and I think I’ve nailed it with my best healthy granola bar recipe. There’s something really satisfying about mixing 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats with a smooth 1/2 cup of natural almond butter and a generous drizzle of 1/3 cup raw honey.

When I add in a handful of chopped mixed nuts and a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut, it gives the bars a delightful texture that’s both chewy and packed with flavor. I also toss in just a touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to boost the overall taste profile.

These bars are a perfect homemade treat for anyone who loves a DIY approach to healthy breakfast recipes or a quick snack that keeps you going. I love knowing that every bite is filled with wholesome ingredients that taste amazing.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe cause it’s super easy to make and it never feels like hard work. I love that I don’t even need an oven so I can just mix everything up without any fuss. The combo of oats, nuts, and dried fruit gives it a great crunch and sweetness that I just can’t get enough of. And honestly, it feels good to snack on something that tastes amazing while still being pretty healthy.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats: They provide fiber and healthy carbs which helps your digestion and keeps you full.
• Natural almond butter: It’s a good source of protein and healthy fats, plus vitamin E for skin care.
• Raw honey: Acts as a natural sweetener that adds energy, flavor and antioxidants boost.
• Chopped mixed nuts: They offer crunch, healthy fats and lean protein for a satisfying snack.
• Dried cranberries: Brings a tart burst and natural vitamins while adding sweetness.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds subtle sweetness and texture along with healthy MCTs.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and smell of the granola bars, making them irresistible.
• Sea salt: Helps balance sweetness while intensifying the natural flavors in the recipe.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural almond butter
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (like almonds and walnuts)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat a small saucepan over low heat and add the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until they melt together nicely.

2. While the wet mix is heating up, take a large bowl and add the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, dried cranberries or raisins, unsweetened shredded coconut, and sea salt.

3. Once the almond butter mix is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes so it’s not too hot.

4. Pour the warm mix over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is evenly combined.

5. Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches works great) with parchment paper.

6. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands. Make sure it’s compact.

7. Cover the pan and pop it into the refrigerator.

8. Let it chill for at least an hour until it firms up.

9. After it’s firm, remove the mixture from the pan using the parchment paper.

10. Cut it into bars or squares and enjoy your healthy granola bars.

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Heat-resistant spoon to stir the almond butter mix
3. Large bowl for mixing dry ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
5. 8×8 inch baking pan
6. Parchment paper to line the pan
7. Spatula for pressing the mixture down in the pan
8. Knife for cutting the cooled bars
9. Refrigerator for chilling the mixture

FAQ

The Best Healthy Granola Bar Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the old fashioned rolled oats, u can try quick oats but just know the texture might change a bit
• If you dont have natural almond butter, peanut butter or even cashew butter works fine
• Instead of raw honey, maple syrup or agave syrup really does the trick
• Switch out the chopped mixed nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let the warm mix cool down just a bit before mixing it with the dry ingredients. If it’s too hot, it might overcook the oats and change the texture in a way you don’t want.

2. When pressing the mixture in your pan, press it down firmly and as evenly as possible. That really helps the bars stick together properly and makes them easier to cut later on.

3. Try not to chop the nuts too finely. Rough, uneven pieces add a nice crunch that works better with the chewy texture of the bars.

4. If you feel adventurous, toss in a pinch of your favourite spice (like cinnamon or nutmeg) or even a light drizzle of maple syrup in your wet mix. It can give your bars a cool twist without overpowering the original flavors.