Trailmix Granola Bars

How to Make Healthy Homemade Granola Bars Without Refined Sugars, Seed Oils, or Food Dyes

Granola bars are the perfect on-the-go snack, but store-bought versions often come loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial ingredients. The good news? You can make your own healthy homemade granola bars that are wholesome, delicious, and easy to customize.

These granola bars are naturally sweetened, use healthy fats, and are free from any additives. Here’s how you can make them at home:

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• ½ cup seeds (sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds)
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup natural nut butter (almond butter or peanut butter, unsweetened)
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
• ¼ cup dried fruit (unsweetened, chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Toast the Dry Ingredients Spread the oats, nuts, and seeds on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step enhances the flavor and crunch of the granola bars.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly warm. Avoid boiling.
4. Mix Everything Together In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted dry ingredients, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. If you’re using add-ins like chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly before adding to prevent melting.
5. Press Into the Pan Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer you press, the better the bars will hold together.
6. Bake (Optional) For firmer bars, bake the mixture for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer chewy bars, skip this step and chill them directly.
7. Chill and Cut Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into rectangles or squares using a sharp knife.
8. Store Store the granola bars in an airtight container. They will keep for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

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Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 5g
• Healthy Fats: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Natural Sugars: 7g

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Why This Recipe is Healthy

• No Refined Sugars: Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
• No Seed Oils: Relies on healthy fats from nut butter.
• No Food Dyes: Uses natural ingredients for color and flavor.
• Whole Food Ingredients: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.

Enjoy these granola bars as a quick breakfast, snack, or even a post-workout treat. They’re wholesome, customizable, and far superior to most store-bought options.

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