Granola bars are a great option for those who are in a rush to get out the door in the morning or when you need a quick and healthy snack. The problem with many prepackaged granola bars is that they contain A LOT of sugar, but good marketing can often trick you into thinking you’re making a healthy choice. That’s why I created these Healthy Homemade Granola Bars with Oats and Raisins. They contain plenty of whole grains, are low in sugar, and actually will serve their purpose to keep you going until your next meal.
Baking a batch of these granola bars is far less expensive than buying them pre-made at the grocery store. Kids and adults alike love these bars, so they’re a healthy option for the whole family. If your child’s school is nut-free, it is fine to leave out the almonds in the recipe.
These Homemade Granola Bars will last 4-5 days in an airtight container. You can also individually wrap each bar in a small piece of saran wrap so they’re ready to go whenever you need them.
These Healthy Homemade Granola Bars with Oats and Raisins are much better for you than anything packaged you'll find at the store. They contain a good dose of whole grains and are low in sugar, too!
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, dry roasted, unsalted
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil, for a lower fat version sub half the oil for unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup raw honey* or maple syrup
- 1/2 egg, beaten (or one egg white)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
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Preheat your oven to 350. Line an 8x8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, so that the ends of the paper stick out of the pan (this will help you lift the bars out of the pan when they are done baking).
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In a large bowl mix the oats, whole wheat flour, salt, cinnamon, and almonds. In a separate bowl whisk together the oil, honey, egg, and vanilla.
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Make a well at the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour the wet ingredients into the center of the oat mixture. Stir until combined. Fold in the dried cranberries or raisins.
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Press the mixture into a square at the bottom the baking dish, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Bake for 25-27 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. (Do not over bake or the bars will be hard and dry.)
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Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, using the edges of the parchment paper, lift the square of bars up and out of the pan and onto another flat surface. While they are still warm, cut the bars into 9 squares. Store in a cool place or wrap individually to grab and go!
*If your honey is hard, you may want to warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds so that it is easier to mix.
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Sam
Hi! instead of cranberries could you use chocolate chips? Also, what about almond slivers instead of halved? just some ideas!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Sam, you could definitely do all of those things! I love these granola bars because you can adapt them however you want 🙂
Tara
Your top pic looks like maybe you used brown sugar did you and if so how much or is there something healthier to substitute in place of the sugar?
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Hi Tara, good eye! For the first time around I used brown sugar, but then later I substituted it for the agave you see in the recipe. If you don’t want to use sugar, you could try using a bit of stevia instead (a little goes a long way).