Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars combine toasted oats, coconut, walnuts, pecan slivers, pumpkin and sunflower seeds with dried apricots and cranberries. A warm mixture of honey, peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt binds the ingredients into bars. The recipe makes 16 to 18 pieces and includes a two-hour cooling period before slicing.

Toast the oat and nut mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, stirring once halfway through. Separately heat the sweetener mixture until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the peanut butter. Press the combined mixture firmly into an 8 × 12-inch pan before baking. The bars bake again briefly after they are packed into the pan.

Dr. J’s Kitchen

Homemade Granola Bars

No ratings yet

Oats, coconut, walnuts, seeds, apricots, and cranberries bind together with honey, peanut butter, and warm spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Favorite Favorited

Pinterest Facebook Share on X

Share Recipe

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 C old-fashioned oats
• 1 C coconut flakes
• ½ C walnuts, chopped
• ⅛ C pecan slivers
• ⅛ C raw pumpkin seeds
• ⅛ C raw sunflower seeds
• 1 C dried apricots, diced
• ½ C dried cranberries The source calls these craisins.
• 3 T unsalted butter
• ½ C honey
• ½ C smooth peanut butter
• ¼ C light brown sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• coconut oil, for preparing the pan

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Prepare an 8 × 12-inch baking pan with coconut oil and parchment paper.
2. Spread the oats, coconut, walnuts, pecan slivers, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds on the baking sheet. Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. While the dry ingredients toast, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the toasted ingredients. Add the apricots and dried cranberries and stir to combine. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan with a spatula.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Video

Notes

The source says the bars can be kept at room temperature but does not specify a storage duration.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Press the mixture firmly

Pack the mixture evenly into the prepared 8 × 12-inch pan with a spatula before baking. Let it cool on a rack for at least two hours before slicing so the bars can set.

Toast the nuts and seeds

Spread the oats, coconut, walnuts, pecan slivers, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds on the lined baking sheet. Stir them after 5 minutes, then bake until lightly browned.

Frequently asked questions

How many bars does this recipe make?

The source says it makes 16 to 18 bars.

How long should the bars cool before slicing?

Cool them on a rack for at least two hours before slicing.

Watch Dr. J Make Homemade Granola Bars

Watch Dr. J make Homemade Granola Bars and see how it comes together.

Products used

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner

BPA-Free Silicone Rubber Spatula Set

Glass Olive Oil Sprayer

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8-inch