Save Crunchy, chewy granola bars packed with roasted pumpkin seeds, tart cranberries, oats, and a touch of honey, these bars make a perfect healthy snack for busy mornings or energetic afternoons.
I created these granola bars as a quick but wholesome option to get everyone through busy days, and they've quickly become a favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups, for chewy and hearty base
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), unsalted: 1 cup, add crunch and nutrition
- Dried cranberries, chopped: 1/2 cup, provide tart sweetness
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup, for nutty texture
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/4 cup, adds subtle flavor and chew
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon, warm spice note
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances flavors
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup, natural sweetener to bind bars
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup, helps hold bars together
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, adds richness
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor depth
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper; leave overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Cook wet ingredients:
- In small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until gently boiling. Simmer 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Combine and mix:
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly so all ingredients are coated.
- Shape bars:
- Transfer to prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with spatula or parchment.
- Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden at edges.
- Cool:
- Let cool completely in pan for about 1 hour.
- Slice:
- Lift out using parchment overhang, then cut slab into 12 bars.
Save My kids love helping mix the granola and pressing it into the pan, turning snack time into a fun family task.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy, and may have gluten if oats aren't labeled gluten-free. Always review product labels if allergies are a concern.
Required Tools
You'll need an 8x8 inch pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and sharp knife for slicing.
Nutrition Per Bar
Each bar contains approx. 205 calories, 10 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save Enjoy these bars as a wholesome grab-and-go snack or share them as a breakfast treat with your favorite coffee.
Recipe FAQs
- → What can I substitute for cranberries?
Dried cherries or blueberries make excellent alternatives, offering similar tartness and texture.
- → How do I ensure extra crunch in these bars?
Toast the oats and nuts for about 8 minutes before mixing to enhance the crunch factor.
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a vegan butter alternative to keep them plant-based.
- → What is the best way to store the bars?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to two months to maintain freshness.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
They may contain gluten unless certified gluten-free oats are used; always check ingredient labels carefully.