Some of the best recipes are born from necessity – and these granola bars are the perfect example. As a busy professional constantly running between meetings and workouts, I needed a snack that was quick to make, nutritious, and actually delicious. After countless kitchen experiments, I discovered the magic formula: five simple ingredients that come together to create a snack so good, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients
- No baking required
- Meal prep friendly
- Customizable
- Gluten-free option
- Packed with nutrition
- Budget-friendly
- Kid-approved
Recipe Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per bar
Ingredients & Equipment
5 Core Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mixed seeds (chia, flax, sunflower)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Dark chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Protein powder
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed seeds. If using dried fruit, add it now. - Warm Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, warm nut butter and honey together for 30-45 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined. - Combine Ingredients
Pour warm nut butter mixture over dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. - Press into Pan
Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Use a spatula or wet hands to press down firmly and create an even layer. - Chill and Set
Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. The chilling helps bars hold their shape. - Cut and Serve
Lift out of pan using parchment paper. Cut into 10-12 bars using a sharp knife.
Expert Tips
- Binding Secret: Warming nut butter and honey helps them mix more easily and bind ingredients better.
- Pressing Technique: Press mixture very firmly to ensure bars hold together.
- Storage Hack: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut Butter Options:
- Almond butter
- Peanut butter
- Sunflower seed butter
- Cashew butter
- Sweetener Alternatives:
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Date syrup
- Honey
- Seed and Fruit Variations:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chopped almonds
- Dried cranberries
- Raisins
- Coconut flakes
Troubleshooting Guide
- Bars Falling Apart:
- Ensure mixture is well-pressed
- Use sticky sweetener
- Chill thoroughly
- Too Dry:
- Add more nut butter or honey
- Don’t over-mix dry ingredients
Storage and Meal Prep
- Room Temperature: 3-4 days in airtight container
- Refrigeration: Up to 1 week
- Freezing: Up to 3 months
- Meal Prep: Make a full batch, individually wrap
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Use maple syrup and plant-based nut butter.
Q: Good for kids?
A: Nutritious and customizable for picky eaters.
Q: Pre-workout snack?
A: Perfect energy-boosting option.
Final Thoughts
These 5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars prove that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Fuel your day, one bar at a time!
