Name: Homemade Granola & Granola Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups rolled oats; 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts); 0.5 cup mixed seeds (sunflower or pumpkin); 0.5 cup coconut flakes (optional); 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional); 0.25 cup coconut oil or olive oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 0.75 cup dried fruit; 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional)

I love making Homemade Granola & Granola Bars when I want a wholesome, crunchy snack that I can completely customize. The granola is golden and toasty with just the right touch of sweetness, and the bars are perfect for grabbing on busy mornings or packing for the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s flexible, budget-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients. I can control the sweetness, adjust the mix-ins, and create either loose granola or sturdy bars from the same base. I also enjoy how fresh and flavorful homemade granola tastes compared to store-bought versions. Homemade Granola & Granola Bars

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rolled oats
chopped nuts
seeds
coconut flakes (optional)
salt
cinnamon

honey or maple syrup
brown sugar (optional)
coconut oil or olive oil
vanilla extract

dried fruit
chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, salt, and cinnamon.

In a small saucepan, I gently warm the honey or maple syrup with the oil and brown sugar until smooth. I remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

I pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. For loose granola, I spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. I let it cool completely before adding dried fruit or chocolate chips.

For granola bars, I press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking dish instead of spreading it loosely. I bake for about 20 minutes, then let it cool completely before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 cups of granola or 10 to 12 granola bars from this recipe.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 to 25 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes add peanut butter or almond butter to help bind the bars. When I want extra crunch, I mix in chopped almonds or pecans. I also enjoy adding chia seeds or flaxseed for extra nutrition, or swapping dried cranberries for raisins.

storage/reheating

I store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I keep granola bars wrapped individually for easy grab-and-go snacks. I also freeze the bars for longer storage and thaw as needed. Homemade Granola & Granola Bars

FAQs

How do I make the bars stick together better?

I press the mixture firmly into the pan and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

I use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.

Why isn’t my granola crunchy?

I make sure to bake it long enough and let it cool fully, since it crisps up as it cools.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

I reduce the sweetener slightly and add more nuts or seeds to balance it.

Is this good for meal prep?

I find it perfect for meal prep since it stores well and is easy to portion.

Conclusion

I keep Homemade Granola & Granola Bars in my kitchen because they’re simple, customizable, and endlessly useful. Every time I make them, I enjoy knowing exactly what’s inside while still getting that satisfying crunch and flavor I love.