Save Crunchy, chewy granola bars packed with roasted pumpkin seeds, tart cranberries, oats, and a touch of honey—perfect for a healthy snack on the go.
I started making granola bars at home after searching for a snack that satisfied my afternoon cravings but wasn&t full of preservatives. These bars are both delicious and simple to whip up—my kids often help mix the ingredients.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), unsalted: 1 cup
- Dried cranberries, chopped: 1/2 cup
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine & Press:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or another sheet of parchment to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool & Slice:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour). Lift the granola slab out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife.
Pin it We love sharing these bars on weekend hikes and in school lunch boxes. They're always a hit, and even picky eaters come back asking for another piece.
Required Tools
Gather an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, and a sharp knife for easy, mess-free prep.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds), dairy (butter), and potential gluten (oats—use certified gluten-free oats if needed). Always check ingredient labels for specific allergy concerns.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains around 205 calories, 10 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein—making them a satisfying, nutrient-dense snack.
Pin it Enjoy these granola bars fresh or freeze individual portions for busy weeks—you'll always have a healthy grab-and-go bite ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey without affecting the texture significantly.
- → How can I make the bars crunchier?
Toasting the oats and nuts for about 8 minutes prior to mixing enhances crunch and adds a deeper flavor.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be, if certified gluten-free oats are used. Otherwise, regular oats may contain gluten traces.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.
- → Can I substitute cranberries with other dried fruits?
Yes, dried cherries or blueberries work well as substitutes and maintain the chewy texture and tart flavor.