Description
These Healthy Granola Bars are a perfect nutritious snack made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and honey. They are lightly sweetened, packed with protein and fiber, and feature a delicious touch of dark chocolate. Easily prepared and baked in under 30 minutes, they make an ideal on-the-go treat for busy days or a healthy lunchbox addition.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, peanut butter (or almond butter), and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients. To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, finely chopped nuts, and dark chocolate chips. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Press and Bake. Press the granola mixture firmly and evenly into the lined baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes if you prefer soft bars, or extend to 20-22 minutes if you want them crispier.
- Cool and Cut. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the block of bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into 8 to 10 bars as desired.
- Final Cooling. Let the cut bars cool fully before serving or storing to ensure they hold together well and have the best texture.
Notes
- Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a slightly different flavor.
- For nut-free version, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts or almonds.
- Adjust the baking time depending on whether you prefer softer or crunchier bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Dark chocolate chips can be omitted or replaced with dried fruits for a less sweet option.
