Homemade Healthy Granola Bars

on a cutting board is a small pile of oats, various nuts and dried fruit and cut homemade granola bars.

If one of your goals this year is to get outside more, homemade granola bars are the perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re heading on a hike, taking a long walk, or simply enjoying some fresh air in the park, a homemade granola bar is a great way to keep your energy up and your hunger at bay. The best part is that these bars are completely customizable to your taste and dietary preferences, so you can add any ingredients you like to make them as delicious and nutritious as possible. With a little prep in the kitchen, you’ll have a snack that’s both healthy and portable, ready to fuel your outdoor activities.

For my latest batch, I chose to include chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds—each offering a unique set of health benefits. Chia seeds and flax seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, making them great for supporting heart health and improving digestion. Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, iron, and zinc, which help strengthen the immune system and promote muscle health. By incorporating these powerhouse seeds, you’re adding a boost of nutrition to your bars with every bite.

 

Oats, nuts, seeds and cherries in a glass bowl

 

Of course, the base of any good granola bar is oats, which provide numerous health benefits of their own. Oats are high in soluble fiber and they’re also a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy that will keep you going throughout your day. Whether you prefer to keep your bars simple or add an array of seeds, dried fruits, or nuts, oats are the ideal starting point for a wholesome, filling snack that’s as satisfying as it is energizing.

To start, add your oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to a bowl. I used almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and flax seeds for the added nutritional benefits like extra omega-3s and fiber. I also added some dried cherries for extra sweetness and flavor. 

Next I melted coconut oil and nut butter in a small pan on low heat until liquid. This step is important because the coconut oil and nut butter are going to set in the refrigerator so the bars can keep their shape. 

 

Pouring liquid almond butter and coconut oil into oats, nuts and seeds

 

Once it has become liquid, take it off the heat and add to the bowl of oats and nuts. Add this point, add your honey and stir everything to combine. 


Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the mixture onto it, use the extra parchment paper on the sides or an extra sheet to flatten it and shape into a square.

 

Flattening granola bars between parchment paper

 

Place that in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. I prefer overnight to make sure they're completely solid. 

Once they have set, cut into bars or break into chunks! I like to wrap these individually in parchment paper and store them in the refrigerator. 

 

finished granola cut into bars

 

These make a great snack if you're on the go or for a healthy sweet treat! These are the perfect way to get in extra nutrients and reach your goals this year!

Recipe: 

  • 1 Cup rolled oats 

  • ½ Cup chopped almonds

  • 2-3 Tbsp chia, pumpkin, flax seeds etc… of each

  • ¼ Cup dried cherries 

  • 1 Tsp Cinnamon 

  • ½ Tsp salt

  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil 

  • ½ Cup almond or peanut butter

  • ¼ Cup honey

  • Optional: Chocolate chips 


Instructions: 

  • Combine oats, almonds, seeds, cherries, cinnamon and salt into a bowl and combine 

  • Melt nut butter and coconut oil on the stove over low heat, just until melted

  • Add coconut oil mixture and honey into oats mixture and stir until completely combined 

  • Add to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and shape into a square 

  • Place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or over night 

  • Once hardened cut into bars and individually wrap in parchment paper

  • Store this in the refrigerator

  • Enjoy!


 *This article is intended for informational purposes. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

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