These homemade granola bars make a perfect healthy snack for busy mornings or when you’re on the go. Packed with nutritious nuts, seeds, and fruit, they are not only delicious but also filling!
Like my maple pecan granola and homemade rustic granola, these granola bars are easy to make at home. You can whip up a batch with just a handful of pantry staples quickly! Unlike many store-bought options that can be overly sweet or packed with artificial flavours, these bars strike the perfect balance of wholesome and satisfying.
I also love how versatile this recipe is. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or tailor them to suit your taste. Not a fan of raisins? Try dried cranberries or chopped apricots instead. Don’t like peanut butter? Simply replace it with almond butter or cashew butter. These bars are easily adaptable, making them perfect for meal prepping and stocking up on healthy snacks for the week.
Make a batch ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy a convenient, homemade snack anytime you need a boost of energy. They are also great to pop into the freezer for later!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Rolled oats – the base of these granola bars, providing a hearty texture and a slightly nutty flavour. For a softer bar, use quick oats, but rolled oats give the best chewiness.
- Sesame seeds – tiny but mighty, sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor when roasted. They also bring a boost of nutrients.
- Pumpkin seeds – also known as pepitas, they are packed with protein and healthy fats.
- Sunflower seeds – mildly nutty and crunchy, adding extra texture to these bars.
- Golden syrup – a rich, caramel-like syrup that binds the bars together while adding a deep sweetness. You can swap this for honey.
- Butter – adds richness and helps hold the bars together. If using salted butter, leave the salt out.
- Peanut butter – brings a delicious nutty taste and acts as a natural binder, helping to keep the bars firm and chewy. Swap for almond butter or cashew butter.
- Raw sugar – adds a slight caramelised sweetness and helps create a chewy texture when melted with butter and syrup. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavour.
- Raisins – a natural sweetener that adds little bursts of chewiness to the bars. Swap for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots if you prefer a different dried fruit.
Tools You May Need
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → How To Make Homemade Granola Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13″ dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the oats turn lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Melt the raw sugar, golden syrup or honey, peanut butter and butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 2–3 minutes, continuously stirring.
Step 4: Transfer the cooled oats and seeds to a large mixing bowl. Add the dried fruit and salt, then stir. Set aside.
Step 5: Pour the melted sugar and butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix to combine. You want everything to be well incorporated.
Step 6: Transfer the granola mixture to the pan and use the back of a spoon or a piece of parchment paper to firmly press it down into an even layer. Compacting the mixture well will help the bars hold their shape. Tip: Use a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture down without it getting sticky.
Step 7: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours or until the bars are completely firm.
Step 8: Once set, remove the granola from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares of your preferred size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use sweeteners you have on hand – This recipe is very versatile; you can swap golden syrup for honey and raw sugar for brown sugar.
- Switch up the seeds and nuts – Change this recipe up by using your favourite seeds and nuts. Just keep the ratios the same as the recipe by swapping the ingredients 1:1.
- Melt slowly – When melting the butter, sugar, nut butter and honey, keep the heat low to avoid burning. Stir continuously until smooth before bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Additions – Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or mix in extras like mini marshmallows or chocolate chips.
How To Store
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. If stacking slices in a container, place a sheet of baking paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
Seedy Homemade Granola bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 120 g butter ½ cup
- 1/2 cup raw sugar or white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup golden syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup peanut butter or almond butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13" dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the oats turn lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Melt the raw sugar, golden syrup or honey, peanut butter and butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 2–3 minutes, continuosly stirring.
- Transfer the cooled oats and seeds to a large mixing bowl. Add the dried fruit and salt, then stir. Set aside.
- Immediately pour the hot syrup mixture over the oat and seed mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the granola mixture to the pan and use the back of a spoon or a piece of parchment paper to firmly press it down into an even layer. Compacting the mixture well will help the bars hold their shape. Tip: Use a piece of parcement paper to press the mixture down without it getting sticky.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours or until the bars are completely firm.
- Once set, remove the granola from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares of your preferred size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
