If you've ever wanted Homemade Granola Bars, but didn't have all the ingredients hand, this recipe is the answer to all your problems. Made with pre-made granola, and just a few pantry staples, they are ready to eat in about an hour. Chewy, but sturdy enough for lunch boxes, they are a great way to turn homemade or store-bought granola into a quick breakfast or snack.
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These Homemade Granola Bars start with your favorite granola, which means most of the work is already done for you. Instead of measuring oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, you simply combine your favorite granola with a buttery honey syrup and bake until golden and set.
I first made these on a whim after pulling out a batch of my homemade granola and wondering if I could turn it into something a little more portable. The result was exactly what I hoped for: chewy granola bars that hold together beautifully and can be customized with whatever granola you already have in your pantry.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy - If you already have granola on hand, most of the work is already done.
- Four-ingredient - Homemade or store-bought granola, plus 4 more ingredients come together to make sturdy and chewy homemade granola bars.
- Versatile - Works with homemade granola, store-bought granola, or even muesli.
- Make-ahead - These bars store well for breakfasts, snacks, and lunch boxes throughout the week.
- Customizable - Every batch can taste different depending on the granola you use.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The photo below shows everything you'll need to make these homemade granola bars. Instead of measuring out an oat mixture consisting of rolled oats common almonds, cranberries, and other-ins, we start with homemade or store-bought granola. Let's take a look at the wholesome ingredients and easy substitutions, if needed.
- Granola - Any granola works here. Homemade granola, store-bought granola, protein granola, nut-free granola, or even flavored granola blends can all be used. If your granola is very crunchy, like you got a really bite into it, you may want to decrease the amount and add some uncooked whole oats to help soften the bars.
- Butter - Salted or unsalted butter can be used. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly. You can use oil or even coconut oil, but that fuel and flavor will be more greasy.
- Honey - Honey helps bind the bars together. Maple syrup can be substituted, although the bars may be slightly softer.
- Brown sugar - Adds flavor and helps create a chewy texture. Light or dark brown sugar both work well.
- Optional spices - If you are starting with a plain honey or vanilla granola and you want to add more flavor, feel free to add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or any of your favorite warm spices.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Why this works
The combination of butter, honey, and brown sugar, simmered until thickened, creates a sticky syrup that coats every piece of granola , gives just the right amount of sweetness, and helps the bars hold together.
Honey provides natural binding power, brown sugar adds a chewy consistency, and butter helps the bars firm up as they cool, giving you granola bars that are easy to slice without crumbling.
If your granola is very crunchy, like it really crunches when you eat it, you may want to decrease the amount of granola and add some uncooked whole oats to help soften the bars.
Variations
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try one of these easy variations.
- Chocolate Chip Granola Bars - Stir mini chocolate chips into the cooled mixture before pressing into the pan.
- Nut butter Granola Bars - Replace the butter with peanut butter or almond butter for extra richness.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bars - Start with cinnamon granola and add extra raisins.
- Trail Mix Bars - Use granola packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for extra texture.
- Muesli bars - Use you favorite muesli mixture for a change of flavor and texture.
Cynthia's Recipe Review
These granola bars are exactly the kind of recipe I love. They have the perfect chewy texture, while retaining their crispy granola vibe.
Quick Recipe Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you can stir and press, you can make this homemade granola bar recipe. Follow along with the process photos below and you'll have a batch cooling on the counter before you know it.
Step 1: Combine butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Place the granola in a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Pour the hot syrup over the granola and stir until every piece is evenly coated. Add any additonal mix-ins, if using
Step 5: Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined square baking pan. Bake until golden brown and set.
Step 6: Cool completely before lifting from the pan and transferring to a cutting board.
Step 7: Cut into bars.
Step 8: Wrap individually and store in an airtight container.
Finish: Enjoy immediately or keep a batch on hand for easy breakfasts and grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
Cynthia's Helpful Tips
- Customize - Different granolas create completely different flavors and textures. If you have a softer, looser granola it's going to make a much more chewy bar.
- Pivot - If you are starting off with a very hard and crunchy granola you may need to cut it with a little bit of whole oats to get the chewy consistency you like. Unless you like a really hard granola bar like Nature Valley. Some people do.
- Line - Leave plenty of parchment overhang so the bars lift out easily.
- Press - Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly compact the mixture into the pan.
- Cool - Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Pop in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Slice - Use a sharp chef's knife for clean edges.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Any granola you enjoy eating will work in this recipe.
Most often they weren't pressed firmly enough into the pan or weren't cooled completely before slicing.
Maple syrup works well, although the bars may be slightly softer and more crumbly.
Wrap bars individually parchment paper and store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Yes. Wrap individually and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Did you try this recipe?
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-Cynthia
📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Granola Bars
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups granola homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides.
- Add butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt to a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place granola in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the hot syrup over the granola and stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Press firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden and set.
- Cool completely in the pan.
- Use the parchment sling to lift the granola from the pan.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 12 bars.
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Video
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly for bars that hold together well. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
- Homemade granola and store-bought granola both work beautifully.
- Different granolas will create different flavors and textures.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
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