Granola bars recipe — these easy homemade granola bars are packed with toasted oats, coconut, and peanut butter for a wholesome snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or an afternoon energy boost. Made with pantry staples, they’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and bake in under 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 25 mins • Additional Time: 1 hr (cooling) • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins • Servings: 8 bars
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ½ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional mix-ins: ¼ cup chopped nuts, 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, 2 tbsp dried fruit
Directions
Step 1
Gather ingredients and preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease or line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the set bars out.
Step 2
Spread the rolled oats and shredded coconut on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven about 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until just golden and fragrant. Transfer toasted oats & coconut to a large bowl.
Step 3
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey and peanut butter. Stir until warmed and smooth — about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and salt.
Step 4
Pour the warm honey–peanut butter mixture over the toasted oats and coconut. Add any optional mix-ins and fold gently until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
Step 5
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared 9-inch pan — pack tightly so bars hold together (use the bottom of a measuring cup or parchment to help compress).
Step 6
Bake in the 325°F oven until the edges start to color and the top looks set, 12–15 minutes for chewy bars or 18–20 minutes if you prefer crunchy bars. (Watch closely — ovens vary.)
Step 7
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan and cut into 8 equal bars.
Cook’s Note
For vegan bars swap honey for warm maple syrup and use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. If you want extra chew, press the mixture very tightly and bake slightly less; for crunch, bake longer and allow to cool fully before slicing.
How to Store
Store cooled granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap bars individually and freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or microwave 10–12 seconds before eating.
Nutrition Facts (approx. per bar)
Calories 188 • Total Fat 5g • Saturated Fat 2g • Sodium 64mg • Total Carbohydrate 34g • Dietary Fiber 3g • Protein 4g