Healthy Baked Granola Bars – Crunchy, Wholesome & Naturally Sweet

These Healthy Baked Granola Bars are the perfect snack for busy days, lunchboxes, or a quick breakfast on the go.

Made with wholesome oats, chopped nuts, a hint of cinnamon, and naturally sweetened with honey, they’re everything you want in a homemade granola bar—easy, delicious, and totally customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than store-bought – no additives, just real ingredients.

Baked, not raw – gives the bars a sturdy, crunchy texture.

Customizable mix-ins – use your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

Naturally sweetened – made with honey and no refined sugar.

Perfect for meal prep – keeps well and packs easily for snacks.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Old-fashioned rolled oats – the base for structure and chew.

Mixed nuts – add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Sunflower seeds or pepitas – for extra texture and nutrition.

Unsweetened coconut flakes – lightly toasted for flavor.

Honey + peanut butter – the glue that binds everything together.

Vanilla, cinnamon, salt – boosts the flavor without overpowering.

Mini chocolate chips or dried fruit – optional, for extra sweetness.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Toast the dry ingredients for maximum flavor.

Let mixture cool before adding chocolate chips to avoid melting.

Use parchment paper to lift bars easily after baking.

Press the bars firmly into the pan so they hold their shape.

Cut while warm for cleaner edges and easier slicing.

How to Make Healthy Baked Granola Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with parchment, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

Spray with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Toast the Dry Ingredients
On a rimmed baking sheet, spread out the oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes.

Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and fragrant.

Reduce oven to 300°F.

Step 3: Make the Wet Base
In a saucepan, gently heat the honey and peanut butter over medium heat until smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Mix and Cool
Transfer toasted oat mixture to the saucepan and stir to coat.

Let cool 5 minutes before folding in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Step 5: Shape the Bars
Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.

Use the back of a spatula or press with plastic wrap to flatten evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bars
Bake at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, depending on your preferred texture (chewier at 15, crunchier at 20).

While still warm, use a knife to score into bars but leave in the pan.

Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift out using parchment and cut along scored lines to separate.

Enjoy or store for later!

What to Serve Them With

Morning coffee or tea

Smoothies for a quick breakfast

Packed into lunchboxes

Post-workout energy snack

Crumbled over yogurt or chia pudding

Variations / Substitutions

Nut-free – skip nuts and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

No coconut? – just leave it out or replace with oats.

Use maple syrup – instead of honey for a vegan version.

Switch nut butters – almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter work too.

Add-ins – dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots.

Storage & Leftovers

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Fridge: Keep for up to 2 weeks for longer freshness.

Freezer: Freeze in layers between parchment for up to 3 months.

Thaw before eating.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide better structure.

Quick oats may make the bars too soft.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
Be sure to press them very firmly into the pan and don’t skip baking.

Can I skip the coconut?
Yes! Just replace it with more oats or chopped nuts/seeds.

Do I need to refrigerate them?
Only if you want them to last longer. They’re shelf-stable for 4–5 days.

Can I make them vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Will they be crunchy or chewy?
Bake for 15 minutes for chewy, 20 minutes for a firmer, crunchier texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13 pan and extend baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Baked Granola Bars are everything you want in a homemade snack—wholesome, easy, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re grabbing one on the way out the door or packing it in a lunchbox, they’re the perfect fuel for your day.

Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, so you can mix it up every time you make them!