Chewy Granola Bars
Looking for a delicious and wholesome snack that you can make right in your kitchen? These Chewy Granola Bars are packed with toasted oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness from honey and brown sugar. They’re the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings, post-workout energy, or a satisfying midday treat.
Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars
- Nutty & Sweet: A perfect balance of flavors from roasted almonds, pecans, and mini chocolate chips.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Simple to Make: With just a few steps and minimal equipment, you’ll have a batch ready in no time.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Skip the store-bought versions filled with preservatives and enjoy a homemade snack you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
How to Make Chewy Granola Bars
1. Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Toast the Oats & Nuts
Spread the oats, chopped almonds, and pecans onto a baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes until golden and aromatic. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Turn off the oven.
3. Make the Sweet Binding
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Mix It All Together
Pour the melted butter mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Stir well to coat evenly. Let the mixture cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Pack It In
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly—this step ensures your bars stick together.
6. Chill to Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
7. Slice & Store
Using the foil overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 equal-sized bars. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Granola Bars
- Press Firmly: Packing the mixture tightly into the pan helps the bars hold their shape.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits, seeds, or coconut flakes for variety.
- Use Fresh Nuts: Toasting enhances the flavor, but make sure your nuts are fresh for the best taste.
Why Homemade is Better
Making your own granola bars allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they’re free from artificial preservatives and unnecessary additives. Plus, you can customize them to suit your taste and dietary needs, making them a healthier and more delicious alternative to store-bought snacks.
These Chewy Granola Bars are a treat that checks all the boxes—sweet, nutty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or packing them for an afternoon adventure, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. 🥣✨
Try this recipe today and elevate your snack game with homemade goodness!
Chewy Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almonds coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9 x 9 pan with foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Add the oats, almonds and pecans to a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and toasted, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Turn oven off.
- Meanwhile add butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt to a small saucepan. Stir until just melted and the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the butter into the oat and nut mixture, mix well. Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes before folding in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and firmly press the mixture down with a spatula. This is important to making it stay together.
- Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
- Lift up the bars out of the pan by grabbing the sides of foil.
- Cut into 12 bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.