Homemade granola bars are the perfect on-the-go snack whether you're headed grocery shopping or on a family trip. Oatmeal + raisins = a win!
If you're looking for a snack that will give you sustained energy + leave you feeling full, then these homemade granola bars are for you!
I grew up on Nature’s Valley bars thanks to my dad, but I wanted to make my own version using my fav plant-based ingredients. Now this, my friend, is a "rawkstar" healthy granola bar recipe.
Homemade granola bars vs store bought
The reason I love these homemade granola bars so much is because I get to choose the ingredients. It is TOUGH to walk through the aisles of grocery stores while on the hunt for a granola bar filled with protein and healthy fats... that still tastes good... and doesn't included added sweeteners, corn syrup, super processed fat, as well as chemicals I'm not interested in consuming.
Healthy granola bar recipe
The combination of chia seeds, almonds, and gluten-free rolled oats packs a protein punch for your body—whether it's making it to the next hour at work or making it to the next vista on hike. Just check out this rawkstar ingredient list.
Plant powered, protein packed granola bars
People often ask how I get enough protein through plant based eating. I love getting this question, because then I share all the incredible protein packed plants out there. Here's what you can expect from protein in these homemade granola bars:
- gluten free rolled oats contain 16.9 grams of protein per 3.5 oz
- almond flour contains 6.1 grams of protein per serving
- sliced almonds contain 6 grams of protein per 1 oz
- chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein per 1 oz
While plant protein may look different from other forms of protein, it is just as effective. It often provides more than just a protein boost when you look at the vitamin and mineral content of these awesome ingredients as well. I want these homemade protein bars to taste good, while also fueling my day.
Healthy, necessary fat
Many people shy away from recipes with fat in them because we've been trained to see fat as bad. Yet the truth is, fat is a vital necessity to break down the protein and carbs in foods, and helps turn that food into usable energy. Here are the ingredients bringing healthy fat to this homemade granola bar recipe:
- gluten free rolled oats contain 6.9 grams of fat per 3.5 oz
- almond flour contains 14.2 grams of fat per serving
- sliced almonds contain 14 grams of fat per 1 oz
- almond butter contains 9.5 grams of fat per 1 tbsp
- chia seeds contain 9 grams of fat per 1 oz
Plant powered ingredient swaps
While this recipe is for oatmeal raisin bars, feel free to swap the raisins for a dried fruit of your choice. Don't you love how versatile these homemade granola bars are?! I also like to use dried apricots, blueberries, or cherries, depending on what's in my pantry. If almond butter isn't your thing, swap for cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter, to avoid nuts altogether. The nut butter acts as a binder + healthy fat in this homemade granola bar recipe, so feel free to swap with your preferred choice.
If you'd like an extra protein boost in these homemade granola bars, I recommend using just ¼ cup of almond flour, then using Protein Smoothie Boost for the other ¼ cup (which is one serving). This plant powered protein powder offers 10 extra grams of protein. That boost brings the total per serving to 17.3 grams of protein! It also adds an extra dose of healthy fat. This helps burn turn the carbs into energy that will fuel you all day long.
Homemade Granola Bars
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup almond slices
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 × 8-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, almonds, maple syrup, raisins, almond butter, chia seeds, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Cut into 8 rectangles.
Video
Notes
- Gluten free if using gluten free oats.
- Nut-free: Remove almonds, increase oats to 2 cups, and replace almond butter with sunflower butter).
- They will keep for about 1 week if wrapped well and stored in a cool place.
Tara
Darn - I don't know what I did wrong, but my didn't hold together. Maybe I didn't cook them long enough? They were brown on the edges, but once they cooled and I cut them up, they crumbled.
Victoria
Delicious! I was looking for an alternative to store bought, and this is the perfect recipe! Thank you!
Tina
These were so so good! Even my fussy son liked them! So that’s a win 🙂 not over sweet like some others I have made . This is a keeper!
Simple Green Smoothies
Love that Tina! Winning over fussy eaters, one granola bar at a time. What a good mama!
Gigi
Hi for the granola recipe to double up on the protein, do I ad the 1/2 cup of almond butter and protein powder?
Thanks Gigi
Jessica
Very excited to give these a try!
Simple Green Smoothies
Come back and let us know what you think after you make them!
Kat B.
So so good! I think I'll try adding some Protein Smoothie Boost to the mix for extra protein. Has anyone tried that yet?
Simple Green Smoothies
I haven't but others have and they said it's a great addition for extra protein!
Kim
Such a great alternative to store-bought granola bars. Feeling like super-mom right now! 😉 Thank you for the delish recipe!
Simple Green Smoothies
You're welcome, Kim! 🙂
Suzanne Fulmer
I would love to ship these bars. yeah or nay?
Shelf life.
Sharon Myers
I bet you could Suzanne— just make sure they're air tight and prob cook them a little less so they hold their moisture (otherwise they might get crumbly and turn into granola...which wouldn't be too bad)
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Suzanne! I think you probably could as long as you wrap them well and ship in an airtight container. Let us know how it goes!
Donna
Question: can cranberries or dried cherries be substituted or added to the raisins? Can Natural Peanut Butter be used?
Simple Green Smoothies
Yes you can totally add in some dried cherries or raisins! We usually like to stay away from peanut butter but if that is what you prefer then you could definitely add that to this recipe!
sheila
By far the best granola bars ever! This is a must try recipe! I don't think I will ever eat store bought again. My husband loved them (he ate most of them). Very flavorful and not heavy. Will make weekly! The week soft and yummy! Any suggestions on making them harder?
Simple Green Smoothies
That is awesome, Sheila! I am so happy that you loved this recipe. It really puts the store bought granola bars to shame!
Jaime
these are fabulous!! so soooo good!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Jaime,
Thank you and so happy to hear that you love this recipe! 🙂