Money-Saving Recipe! | Homemade Healthy Granola Bars {Crispy or Chewy}

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter is a healthier fat option, while sunflower seed butter is nut-free.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chips

💰Cheaper: cocoa nibs

Dark chocolate chips are lower in sugar, and cocoa nibs add a crunchy texture.

dried cranberries

🥗Healthier: dried cherries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried cherries are slightly healthier, while raisins are often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

Chop walnuts and pecans.

Add pumpkin seeds and unsweetened coconut flakes to the chopped nuts.

In a large bowl, combine the nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes with 2 cups of rolled oats.

Toast the mixture in the oven for a few minutes until fragrant.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and peanut butter until smoothly combined.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the toasted oat and nut mixture to the saucepan and stir until evenly moistened.

Add dried cranberries and chocolate chips (or other mix-ins) to the mixture and stir to combine.

Scoop the mixture into an 8 x 8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, pressing it into a single layer.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on desired texture (15 minutes for chewy, 20 minutes for crunchy).

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

While still warm, press down along the cut lines to pre-cut the bars for easier slicing later.

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut along the pre-cut lines.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: