Easy 5-Ingredient Crunchy Granola Bars Recipe for Homemade Snacks
A simple and quick recipe for crunchy granola bars made with just five pantry staples, perfect for a wholesome snack any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (120g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup (115g) honey
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.
- Toast 2 cups (160g) of rolled oats on a baking sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and nutty.
- While oats cool slightly, combine 1/2 cup (120g) creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup (115g) honey, and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the toasted oats and 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts until evenly coated and sticky but manageable.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or lightly wet hands.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown, watching closely after 12 minutes to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
- Lift the slab out using parchment paper edges and cut into 8 or 10 bars depending on preferred size.
- Store bars in an airtight container.
Notes
Do not skip toasting the oats to achieve the signature crunch and nutty flavor. Use creamy peanut butter for better binding. Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking to help bars hold together. Watch the oven closely to avoid burning. For firmer bars, chill in the fridge before cutting. Variations include swapping peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter, honey for maple syrup (vegan option), and adding spices or chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 8
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: granola bars, homemade snacks, crunchy granola bars, easy granola bars, 5-ingredient recipe, healthy snacks, peanut butter granola bars