How to Make the Perfect Homemade Granola Bars
American · Easy · 35 min · 12 servings
These homemade granola bars are chewy wholesome and completely vegan made with oats nuts dried fruit and a sticky maple and nut butter binding. This vegan recipe is endlessly customizable and far healthier than store-bought bars with no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This Homemade Granola Bars recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2.5 cups rolled oats
- 0.5 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 0.33 cup maple syrup
- 0.5 cup mixed dried fruit such as cranberries and raisins
- 0.25 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips vegan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the granola base
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Combine the rolled oats, dried fruit, seeds, and dark chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl and stir to distribute evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the binder
In a small saucepan over low heat gently warm the almond butter and maple syrup together stirring until they are fully combined and fluid. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the warm binder over the oat mixture and stir until every oat is fully coated.
Step 3: Press and bake
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down very firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup. The firmer you press the better the bars will hold together. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Step 4: Cool completely and slice
Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Cutting them while still warm will cause them to crumble. Slice into 12 bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- almond butter → tahini for a nut-free version with a slightly earthy flavor
- dried cranberries → chopped dried apricots or dates for natural sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan resulting in bars that fall apart
- Slicing the bars while still warm before they have fully set and cooled
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 5g protein, 26g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →