With whole grains, low added sugar, protein, and an easy method, these Healthy Granola Bars are a favorite snack to share with the kids. Plus: You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them for weeks!
After becoming frustrated with the price of store-bought granola bars, I wanted to add another versatile recipe to the mix on my website to help you feed your kids for less money—but still enjoy all the yummy flavors. This Healthy Granola Bar recipe is versatile and a great basic snack recipe for kids to make with simple pantry staples.
The result is a soft granola bar with crisp edges that holds its shape even without the addition of egg. Each bar is a good source of protein, beneficial fats, and fiber, which means it’s a satisfying and balanced snack to help keep us full. Plus, these Healthy Granola Bars are naturally sweetened and have a great cinnamon-fruit flavor that is appealing to all ages!
(You may also like my Homemade Granola Bars, which are a less sweet option great for 1 year olds, Chocolate Banana Popsicles, Blueberry Smoothie with Milk, Peach Ice Cream, and my Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make these Healthy Granola Bars so you know what to have on hand.
- Rolled oats: I like to use rolled oats, which are also called “old-fashioned oats” to make this recipe so we start with a fiber-rich base.
- All-purpose flour: Adding a small amount of all-purpose flour helps the batter hold together well and ensures the bars are easier to slice.
- Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds add fiber, beneficial fats, and protein to the Granola Bars and they are the same color as the oats, so they blend in nicely. You can use chia seeds as an alternative.
- Cinnamon and vanilla: Adding these 2 ingredients adds flavor for a pleasantly sweet granola bar.
- Mashed banana: I like to increase the natural sweetness by adding mashed ripe banana. It also helps the bars hold together without needing to add egg. You can use applesauce if you prefer.
- Honey: A little honey rounds out the flavors in this recipe and also contributes to the batter holding together nicely. (Avoid honey for kids under age 1.)
- Peanut butter: Natural, creamy peanut butter adds protein and beneficial fats. To make this recipe nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of the Healthy Granola Bars recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Grind the oats briefly in a blender or food processor. This helps the bars hold together more easily.
Step 2. Add the oats to a medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3. Stir well to make an even, sticky batter.
Step 4. Press into a pan, score into bars, and bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
For me, it’s the combination of whole grains (which have fiber), beneficial fats, and protein. When we have a combination of those three in a recipe, it provides balanced energy and helps us stay full a little longer. I also did my best to make this recipe as low in added sugars I could, but still taste good enough for kids who sometimes also eat purchased granola bars.
This recipe is already egg-free, but to make it nut-free also, simply use sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
Yes, made as directed they hold their shape at room temperature so you can pack them as a snack to take on the go.
How to Store
Store the Healthy Granola Bars in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or a week at room temperature. To freeze, place cooled bars in a sealed zip top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or you can thaw at room temperature.
Best Tips for Success
- Grind the oats briefly so they are a finer texture. This step helps the bars hold together nicely after baking. You can also skip this step if you use quick oats.
- Use mashed banana or applesauce, as you like.
- Use peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter according to your preference.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
Healthy Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter or 1 egg)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mashed banana (very ripe; from about 1 small)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for more sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a quarter sheet baking pan with parchment paper.
- Place the oats in the bowl of a food processor or blender blitz to grind into a coarse texture (similar to quick oats).
- Warm the honey and peanut butter for about 15 seconds if not stored at room temperature.
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir well, using clean hands at the end to bring the batter together into a thick sticky dough that holds between your fingers when pressed.
- Place batter onto the center of the prepared baking sheet and use your hands to press thin, about ¼-½ inch thick and almost to the edges of the pan. Score with a knife to precut the bars.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, remove from oven, and let cool completely in the pan.
- Press the knife through the bars completely and store or serve.
Notes
- Store the Healthy Granola Bars in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or a week at room temperature. To freeze, place cooled bars in a sealed zip top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or you can thaw at room temperature.
- To make this without a food processor or blender, use quick or instant oats and stir everything together.
- Use gluten-free cup for cup flour in place of the wheat flour and use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Add chocolate chips to this recipe by pressing a few into the top of the flattened batter in the pan just before baking.
- Wet your fingers or use a piece of parchment to press the batter down if it’s sticking to your hands.
My son loved it! He’s living off granola bars right now. So it’s nice to feel like he’s getting something good.
Instructions are clear and easy!
So glad to hear it!