Granola bars are such a delicious healthy treat that you can eat on-the-go. This makes them perfect as a healthy snack for before or after work and a great way to fill the spot.

This is my favourite homemade granola bar recipe!

While it is vegetarian as is, you can easily swap out the honey for rice malt syrup to be vegan as well.

Below I've also explained the benefits of granola bars, more great reasons to bake these up today!

Homemade Granola Bars

Need a quick healthy snack with bragging rights? You'll love this easy recipe!

Ingredients

4 cups whole oats (or 3 1/4 cups oats + 3/4 cup oat bran)

3/4 cup raw almonds, whole or sliced

3/4 cup raw cashews chopped

1/2 cup raw pepitas

2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup brown sugar (or substitute palm sugar)

1/4 cup honey (or rice malt syrup for vegan)

1/3 cup brown rice syrup

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Method

Pour 1 1/2 cups oats in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground. Place the ground and remaining whole oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit in a large bowl. Mix well. Line a large 13X18 inch rimmed baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Place the brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, stir well, then remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Then pour the syrup over the dry ingredients. Mix well, so that all the dry ingredients are coated, then scoop the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture out evenly. Use another sheet of wax paper to press down on the mixture until flat and packed. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set, then cut into squares. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator, or in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks.

If you find it easier to watch, here’s a video on how to make healthy homemade granola bars with bananas:

How Healthy are Homemade Granola Bars?

Granola bars are delicious and a great snack for on-the-go, but just how healthy are they?

Here's some interesting facts about granola bars you might not know.

Homemade Granola Bars Are a Great Source of Dietary Fiber

Whole grain oats and nuts, two main ingredients in most granola bars, contain dietary fiber, which helps to regulate digestion. From just 1/3 cup of granola, you'll get about 4 grams of fiber, making granola bars a great source of this nutrient.

They may also help control your blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness after eating, allowing you to cut calories with less hunger.

Granola Bars Can Lower Bad Cholesterol

Soluble fiber found in oats is particularly helpful for lowering bad cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber binds to bile acids, which contain cholesterol, in your digestive tract and removes them from your body.

LOADS of Healthy Fats!

The healthy fats in granola bars come from the nuts, seeds and oils it contains. A serving of granola bar can give you about 4 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids and about 4 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These two forms of fat may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

Among other things, these effects can help to prevent or manage heart disease, diabetes, cancer and inflammatory conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, found in granola are essential for proper brain function.

Great Source of Protein

The raw cashews in this homemade granola bar recipe are excellent sources of protein. Considered the golden nutrient of muscle-building, the amino acids in protein can repair muscle tissue after a hard work-out.

Bake Healthy Homemade Granola Bars Today!

Whether you have granola bars for breakfast, before work or before your workout, eating these homemade granola bars will help you kickstart your day. Their protein, healthy fats and dietary fiber have so many health benefits and make them a great healthy snack you can have anywhere.

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How'd you go with your healthy homemade granola bars? Let me know in the comments!