Perfect Perfect Homemade Granola Bars (+7 flavors!) - Sweet Peas and Saffron (2024)

This post shows you how to make perfect homemade granola bars, plus 7 different flavor variations! The perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee.

Like the perfect no bake energy bites, homemade granola bars are a staple in my meal prep routine. I love how easy they are to make (no baking) and that I know exactly what goes into them!

Perfectly chewy and easy to customize, I also happen to think these granola bars taste way better than store bought! Keep a stash in your fridge for when you are craving something sweet.

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Ingredient notes

• honey- acts to bind as well as sweeten these bars. Maple syrup does not work in these bars, and other alternatives have not been tested.
• coconut oil- also acts to bind; butter may work but has not been tested. Liquid oils may not be swapped.
• rolled oats- may also be called 'old fashioned' or 'large flake' oats; do not use quick oats or steel cut oats for this recipe.
• mini chocolate chips- I highly recommend using the mini chips over regular sized as they are not overly hard when refrigerated, and they help you get chocolate in every bite.

Step by step directions

1. Simmer honey & coconut oil- Place a pot on a kitchen scale and weigh out* the honey and coconut oil. If you are making a variety with nut butter, add it in too.

Bring the pot to a simmer, and when it looks like it does in the image above (lots of bubbles), start a timer. Cook for exactly 1 minute, then remove the pot from the heat.

*alternatively, you can use measuring cups, but weighing the pot helps avoid the extra dishes

2. Add vanilla & salt- Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then let the pot sit for 10-15 minutes to cool slightly.

3. Add dry ingredients- After the mixture has cooled for 10-15 minutes, stir in the rolled oats, chopped almonds and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to mix it in evenly. The chocolate chips might melt, but that's OK- it helps hold the bars together.

4. Press into baking pan- Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil. Press the granola bar mixture into the pan- HARD. You want to do multiple rounds with your spatula. You can also pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes, and do a second round of pressing. This is key to prevent bars from crumbling.

Scatter a few extra chocolate chips into the top of the bars and press them in gently.

💡 TIP- spray the spatula with oil to prevent sticking.

5. Refrigerate- Chill for 4 hours- overnight before cutting them into bars.

FAQ

Storage + meal prep

You MUST store these granola bars in the fridge, otherwise they become too soft and will crumble.

• fridge- stored in an airtight container, they are good for 1 week in the fridge.
• freezer- wrap loosely in parchment paper, and place in a meal prep container or sturdy freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

7 flavor variations

Find full recipes in the card below

1. Classic Chocolate Chip- ½cupalmonds and ¼ cup chocolate chips
2. Almond Butter Snickerdoodle- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ⅓cupnatural almond butter, ¼ cup toffee bits
3. Monster Cookie- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter, ½ cup almonds, ½ cup mini M & M's, 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
4. Double Chocolate - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
5. - ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds + pecans), ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries + blueberries)
6. Mocha - 1 tablespoon espresso powder, ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
7. Peanut Butter- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter, ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, ½ cup chopped almonds or other nuts

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