Print

Crunchy Homemade Granola Bars with Honey and Almonds

crunchy homemade granola bars - featured image

These crunchy homemade granola bars combine toasted oats and almonds with honey for a sweet, satisfying snack that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for on-the-go, they are kid-approved and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180g)
  • 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped (140g)
  • 1/3 cup honey (113g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (57g)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Toast the oats and almonds: Spread the oats and chopped almonds evenly on the baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through until light golden and fragrant.
  3. Prepare the binding mixture: In a small saucepan, combine honey, melted butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Mix dry and wet ingredients: Transfer toasted oats and almonds to a large bowl. Add cinnamon and seeds if using. Pour warm honey mixture over oats and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Transfer to pan and press: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Pour granola mixture into pan and press firmly using a spatula or lightly dampened hands.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or overnight to set the bars.
  7. Cut into bars: Lift granola slab out using parchment overhang. Place on cutting board and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife, wiping knife between cuts for clean edges.
  8. Store: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Toasting oats and almonds is essential for flavor and crunch. Press bars firmly to avoid crumbling. Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal. Adjust honey and butter amounts if bars are too crumbly or sticky. Optional mix-ins include dried fruit, seeds, or chocolate chips. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, homemade snack, honey granola bars, almond granola bars, crunchy granola bars, healthy snack, easy granola bars