Ditch the store-bought snacks and whip up these delicious homemade granola bars! Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these gluten-free bars are a nutritious treat that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Why Make Your Own Granola Bars?
Many commercial granola bars are loaded with refined sugars and preservatives. By making them at home, you get to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier snack without artificial additives. These bars are full of peanut butter goodness, lightly sweetened, and irresistibly soft.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (drippy works best, or warm it slightly for easy mixing)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (honey binds better)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional but recommended!)
- 2 whole eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option**)
- Optional add-ins: pinch of salt (omit if using salted peanut butter), chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), chia seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined. If your peanut butter is thick, warm it slightly before mixing.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Press Firmly: Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it into an even layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and press them down slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Start checking around 14 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool before slicing with a sharp knife.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed, tahini, or pumpkin seed butter.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mini chocolate chips.
- Egg-Free & Vegan: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water, let sit for 5-10 minutes).
- High-Protein: Substitute 1/2 cup of oats with 1/2 cup of protein powder.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled and cut, store in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Are Granola Bars Healthy?
Not all granola bars are created equal. Many store-bought versions contain excessive sugar and preservatives. These homemade bars offer:
- Oats: A great source of fiber, helping to lower cholesterol.
- Peanut Butter: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Eggs (or flaxseed alternative): Provide protein and beneficial nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Final Thoughts
These homemade granola bars are the perfect grab-and-go snack! They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and great for meal prepping. Enjoy them as-is or get creative with your favorite add-ins!
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