How to Make Your Own Healthy Granola Bars

November 22, 2024

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When it comes to healthy snacks, granola bars are the OG. With nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sometimes a little chocolate, they’re full of nutrients, fiber, and flavor. Not to mention, they make for the perfect on-the-go snack and offer a little bit of sweetness to fuel you between meals. But just like with granola, some store-bought bar brands sneak in excess sugar, preservatives, and other ingredients you may not want. The best way to get what you want — healthy granola bars — is by making your own.

Plus: Whipping up homemade granola bars is easier than you think. Whether you prefer nutty, fruity, or chocolaty flavors, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every craving.

1. Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Chocolate Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

With just 7 pantry ingredients and sweetness from honey, these simple healthy granola bars come together in 5 minutes. Plus, you can change them up however you like by swapping the nut butter or the add-ins.

Try this recipe from Love and Lemons.

2. Blueberry Bliss Breakfast Bars

Blueberry Bliss Breakfast Bars, Wiki Commons — Credit: Wiki Commons

They’re called “breakfast bars,” but you can enjoy these no-bake, vegan, gluten-free snacks anytime. Apple sauce, maple syrup, and dried cranberries offer sweetness to these delicious bars. Add a little lemon zest for brightness, if you like.

Try this recipe from Inspired Edibles.

3. Cranberry Orange Granola Bars

Cranberry Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Cranberries and oranges are a classic combo, and you’ll love them in these simple bars, which also feature pecans, almond butter, and cinnamon. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip them up in a flash.

Try this recipe from Cookie and Kate.

4. Almond Joy Granola Bars

Almond Healthy Granola Bars, Wiki Commons — Credit: Wiki Commons

Almond Joy candy bars were always a candy favorite of ours, and now you can snack on them in a healthy way. Packed with coconut, almonds, and dark chocolate chips, these bars taste like a decadent treat, but they’re actually loaded with healthy fats and fiber.

Try this recipe from Emily’s Fresh Kitchen.

5. Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Peanut Butter Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

With a base of peanut butter, flaxseed meal, and crispy rice cereal, these bars are a total crowd-pleaser. Add mix-ins of your choice and make them your own. They’ll keep covered in the fridge for a couple of weeks, or you can freeze them for later.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

6. Mango Coconut Granola Bars

Mango Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

A mix of dried mango and coconut gives these bars a taste of the tropics. And the dates and honey sweeten the bar. Add some ground ginger for a savory twist.

Try this recipe from Everyday Easy Eats.

7. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars

Oatmeal Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

If you love a softer granola bar, and you’re an oatmeal-raisin cookie fan, these bars are for you. Baked with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and coconut oil, they’re energizing and comforting at the same time.

Try this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

8. No-Bake Granola Bars

No Bake Healthy Granola Bars, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

For an easy breakfast that will hit the spot, try these no-bake granola bars. Made with just four ingredients, you only need 20 minutes to prep a week’s worth. With a simple combination of oats, your favorite nut butter, honey, and vanilla, you can always amp up the flavor with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even dark chocolate.

Try this recipe from Cookie and Kate.