Chewy Trail Mix Granola Bars
These chewy trail mix granola bars are packed with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, combining toasted oats, nuts, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate for a wholesome homemade snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (about 180g), toasted
- 1/3 cup honey (113g)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (125g), creamy or crunchy
- 1 cup mixed nuts (120g), roughly chopped (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (75g), such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (45g), optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal or chia seeds, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- Toast the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- While toasting, combine honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm for 20-30 seconds until just melted and stir until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the toasted oats and nuts with dried fruit, chocolate chips, cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed or chia seeds if using.
- Pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until all are coated.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using parchment paper or the back of a spatula.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out.
- Slice into 10-12 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
Notes
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Toasting oats and nuts enhances flavor and chewiness. For nut allergies, substitute nuts and nut butter with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if sliced int
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: granola bars, trail mix, chewy granola bars, homemade snack bars, healthy snacks, peanut butter bars, easy granola bars