Homemade Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars taste better than any you’ve had in the store – AND they’re cheaper and easy to make! They’re chewy and sweet with the perfect texture. These are perfect for breakfast, snacks, on-the-go for hiking, work, picnics, and more!
What you’ll love about this:
Years ago my husband and I bought granola bars weekly for snacks and on-the-go breakfast. One day as I sat for my lunch break, I flipped the wrapper over to take a look at the ingredients (simply out of boredom)… chicory fiber, sunflower oil, mixed tocerphols…umm what?
I instantly threw it away and vowed I would always make my own homemade granola bars from there on out…one’s with SIMPLE ingredients that I could pronounce. And it HAD to taste amazing! This is my FAVORITE granola bar recipe I’ve been making now for years for my husband and I that I hope you enjoy as much as we do!
Simple Ingredients
*See below for more information.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
What is brown rice syrup and where do I find it?
Brown rice syrup, also called rice malt syrup, is a sweetener derived from fermented brown rice that is sticky like honey. You can typically find it in health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and online retailers like on Amazon.
Can I use other types of oats for homemade granola bars?
I honestly think old fashioned oats taste best in this recipe. They give them a delicious chewy texture/consistency! If you want to try another version (or don’t have old fashioned in your pantry) consider trying quick oats.
How to Make Homemade Granola Bars
Mix together wet ingredients
Start by lining an 8×8 glass pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together your peanut butter, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt until it’s smooth.
Add dry ingredients
Add your old fashioned oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips and seeds. Stir until well-combined.
Presss in a pan
Press the mixture firmly into the pan. At this time you can add more chocolate chips if you desire (It also makes the bars look prettier!)
Use a second piece of parchment paper and the base of a cup to press them down. Put the pan in the fridge to chill for ~1 hour before cutting.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Is it cheaper to make your own granola bars?
Making your own granola bars can be cheaper than buying pre-packaged ones, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. I often buy old fashioned oats, seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseed in bulk which is cheaper than buying the smaller packages.
What is a good binder for granola bars?
The best binders for granola bars includes honey, brown rice syrup, chia seeds, flaxseed, and nut butter. These granola bars are vegan and therefore we do not use any honey in them.
Why did my granola bars fall apart?
Granola bars can fall apart if the wet and dry ingredients are not incorporated well enough. Make sure to mix very well before pressing in the pan. If your granola bars seem dry, consider adding in another tbsp of brown rice syrup.
I also recommend pressing your bars firmly in the pan with the back of a cup. This will help pack the ingredients tightly to form solid bars.
Make sure to refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.
Pro Tips
- I do not recommend substituting brown rice syrup with maple syrup. Maple syrup is not as sticky as the brown rice syrup and you will likely have crumbly bars.
- Feel free to add in other delicious mix-ins! I love dried fruit in my bars – dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots. You can try other types of nuts or seeds as well like pepitas, crushed peanuts, slivered almonds, and more!
More Snack Recipes
Are you a snacker like me? Try out these other popular snack recipes to satisfy that afternoon hunger!
Homemade Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter drippy and smooth
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips *If you like chocolate chips, add 1/3 cup
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds or crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Start by lining an 8×8 glass pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together your peanut butter, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt until it's smooth.1 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
- Add your old fashioned oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips and seeds. Stir until well-combined. *If after thoroughly mixing it still seems dry, consider adding in 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup.2½ cups whole rolled oats, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds or crushed peanuts
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the bottom of a cup to press them down firmly. Put the pan in the fridge to chill for ~1 hour before cutting.
- Cut them into bars (I made about 12 bars total, but you can cut into any shapes you like). Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
Chewy and delicious!
Absolutely delicious! They are super easy to make and taste better than store-bought!
Thanks Sage!
These turned out awesome and my kids loved them! I used gluten-free oats!
Thanks Katie! So glad you hear you (and the kids!) enjoyed them 🙂
So good! The whole family loved them!
Thanks Kara!!