Pin Recipe Crunchy, chewy granola bars packed with roasted pumpkin seeds, tart cranberries, oats, and a touch of honey—perfect for a healthy snack on the go.
I first started making these bars when my kids wanted homemade snacks for school. They are easy to mix up (and easier to eat), plus my family loves customizing them with their favorite fruits and seeds.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), unsalted: 1 cup
- Dried cranberries, chopped: 1/2 cup
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Prepare Wet Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine and Coat:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Press Into Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or another sheet of parchment to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Cut:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour). Lift the granola slab out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife.
Pin Recipe My kids love wrapping these granola bars to take on picnics, and it has become our go-to road trip snack.
Required Tools
8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds), dairy (butter), and potential gluten (oats—use certified gluten-free oats if needed). May contain traces of other allergens depending on ingredient sourcing. Always check labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 205, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 5 g
Pin Recipe Enjoy these granola bars as a breakfast treat or a quick snack throughout the week!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can replace honey to suit vegan preferences or adjust flavor without compromising texture.
- → How can I make the bars crunchier?
Toasting oats and nuts for about 8 minutes before combining enhances the crunch and deepens flavor.
- → Are these bars suitable for those with nut allergies?
The bars contain almonds, which are nuts. For nut-free options, consider substituting with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage, up to two months.
- → Can I substitute dried cranberries with other fruits?
Dried cherries or blueberries can be used as alternatives, providing different tartness and texture while maintaining chewiness.