Deliciously Wholesome: Your Guide to Homemade Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars
In today’s fast-paced world, finding snacks that are both convenient and genuinely good for you can be a challenge. That’s where these incredible Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars come in. Forget those store-bought options loaded with questionable ingredients and added sugars; these homemade bars are a delightful blend of nutrition, natural sweetness, and irresistible texture. Each bar offers a perfect harmony of chewy oats, crunchy nuts and seeds, vibrant dried fruit, and a hint of rich chocolate, all contributing to a satisfying bite that boosts your energy without sacrificing flavor. They are the ideal solution for busy mornings, a healthy pick-me-up during the day, or a guilt-free dessert after a meal.
If you’re looking to broaden your repertoire of easy and wholesome homemade treats, consider exploring these other fantastic bar recipes:
Healthy Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Healthy Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Homemade No-Bake Granola Bars
These no-bake healthy granola bars aren’t just a snack; they’re a lifestyle upgrade. Here’s why they quickly become a cherished favorite for everyone, from picky toddlers to health-conscious adults:
Effortless Preparation: Made with simple, accessible pantry ingredients, these bars come together with minimal fuss. No complicated steps, no obscure items – just wholesome goodness.
Naturally Sweetened: We harness the natural sweetness of honey and dried fruits, meaning you get that satisfying sweet fix without relying on refined sugars or artificial additives. It’s a pure and delicious indulgence.
Infinitely Customizable: The beauty of these bars lies in their adaptability. Easily swap out nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to match your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. The possibilities are endless!
No Baking Required: Perfect for warm weather or when you simply don’t want to turn on the oven. These bars set beautifully in the refrigerator, making them a cool and convenient treat.
Freezer-Friendly & Meal Prep Ready: Whip up a large batch and store them in the freezer for quick, grab-and-go snacks throughout the week or month. They’re excellent for meal prepping and ensuring you always have a healthy option available.
Loved by All Ages: The combination of chewy, crunchy, and subtly sweet flavors makes these bars universally appealing. They’re a fantastic way to sneak more fiber and nutrients into anyone’s diet.
These incredibly easy no-bake healthy snack bars are a truly satisfying and wholesome treat that you’ll want to keep stocked up for every day of the week.
Unpacking the Nutritional Power of These Oat and Nut Snack Bars
These granola bars with dried fruit aren’t just a tasty treat; they’re a nutritional powerhouse. Each carefully selected ingredient plays a vital role in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and energy to fuel your day:
- Oats: The foundation of these bars, oats are renowned for their high fiber content, particularly soluble fiber. This aids in healthy digestion, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating. Oats also provide a steady release of energy, making them perfect for sustained activity without a sugar crash.
- Nuts and Seeds: A diverse mix of nuts and seeds (like almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseed) packs a serious punch. They are excellent sources of plant-based protein, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and a wealth of essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron. These ingredients not only add a fantastic crunchy texture but also support brain function, heart health, and overall cellular well-being.
- Dried Fruit: Beyond adding natural sweetness and a delightful chewiness, dried fruits like raisins and cherries are concentrated sources of antioxidants and dietary fiber. They offer a quick and natural energy boost, making them ideal for pre- or post-workout snacks.
- Honey: Serving as both a natural sweetener and a binder, honey adds a comforting depth of flavor. It contains trace amounts of antioxidants and provides a more complex sugar profile than refined sugars, contributing to the overall wholesomeness of the bars.
- No Processed Fillers: A key benefit of making your own homemade granola bars is the complete absence of artificial preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and other unnecessary additives often found in commercial versions. You get pure, real food ingredients you can trust.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Granola Bars with Dried Fruit
Crafting these chewy and satisfying nut and fruit granola bars requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create your batch of deliciousness:
½ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or almond butter (ensure it’s a natural, no-sugar-added variety for best results)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (helps with binding and gives a subtle richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances overall flavor)
¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (opt for certified gluten-free oats if necessary)
¾ cup crispy rice or puffed quinoa cereal (adds a fantastic light crunch)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal (a source of omega-3s and an excellent binder)
2 tablespoons chia seeds (another omega-3 rich ingredient and great for texture)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth and aroma)
¼ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
¼ cup raisins (classic dried fruit choice)
¼ cup dried cherries (or easily substitute with dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots for variety)
½ cup chopped nuts (a mix of almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pistachios works wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorites)
½ cup chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling over the top, optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars at Home
Making your own healthy nut and fruit granola bars is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch:
Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the paper extends a few inches over the sides; these will serve as convenient handles to lift the bars out later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, your chosen nut butter (peanut or almond), and coconut oil. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to boil it. Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow this mixture to cool for approximately 5 minutes; this helps prevent the oats from becoming soggy.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the rolled oats, crispy rice or puffed quinoa cereal, ground flaxseed meal, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, salt, raisins, dried cherries (or your chosen dried fruit), and chopped nuts. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
Mix It All Together: Pour the slightly cooled warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon or spatula until all the dry components are uniformly coated and the entire mixture is sticky and well-bound. Ensure there are no dry spots remaining.
Press into the Pan: Transfer the sticky granola mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon, your hands (lightly dampened or covered with plastic wrap to prevent sticking), or another piece of parchment paper on top, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into a compact layer. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together.
Add the Chocolate Topping (Optional): If adding chocolate, melt the chocolate chips gently in a microwave-safe bowl (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between) or over a double boiler. If the chocolate is too thick for drizzling, stir in about ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it slightly. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed granola mixture. This step adds a wonderful layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Chill Until Firm: Place the entire pan in the refrigerator. Allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, until they are completely firm and set. Proper chilling is crucial for easy slicing and to achieve the desired chewy-crunchy texture.
Slice and Enjoy: Once thoroughly chilled and firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of granola from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a very sharp knife to slice it into individual bars or squares of your desired size. Serve immediately and savor your homemade, healthy creation!
How to Store Your Easy No-Bake Healthy Snack Bars
To keep your delicious easy no-bake healthy snack bars fresh and in perfect condition, proper storage is key, especially since they are free from artificial preservatives.
Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent them from sticking together, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers. They will remain fresh and delightfully chewy for up to two weeks.
Freezer: For longer-term storage, these bars are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, again using parchment paper between layers. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Enjoy them directly from the freezer for a super chewy treat, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
Customize Your Healthy Granola Bars for Kids and Adults
One of the best aspects of these homemade granola bars with dried fruit is their incredible versatility. They are super easy to adapt to different tastes, dietary needs, and preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:
Go Vegan: To make these bars completely vegan, simply swap out the honey for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The texture and binding will still be excellent.
Nut-Free Version: For those with nut allergies, replace the peanut or almond butter with sunflower seed butter (like SunButter). Also, swap the chopped nuts with a variety of seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or toasted sesame seeds.
Extra Goodies: Enhance the flavor and texture by mixing in shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted), mini chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), hemp seeds for an extra protein boost, or even a dash of orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits beyond raisins and cherries. Try dried mango (chopped), banana chips (crushed), chopped dates, figs, or even candied ginger for a spicy kick.
Kid-Friendly Shapes: Make snack time more exciting for children by using fun cookie cutters to shape the bars before chilling, or press the mixture into silicone molds for bite-sized treats.
For an even more pronounced crunch, consider lightly toasting your oats, nuts, or seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture. This simple step can elevate the texture significantly.
Snack Smarter, Feel Better with Homemade Granola Bars
These Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars are more than just a recipe; they are a commitment to smarter snacking. They effortlessly fit into the busiest of schedules, satisfy those persistent snack cravings, and simplify lunchbox planning. Crafted with ingredients you recognize and can feel truly good about, they offer a nourishing alternative to processed snacks. Once you experience the superior taste and wholesome goodness of your own homemade bars, you’ll find that store-bought versions simply can’t compare. They’re a delicious investment in your health and well-being.
Don’t forget to snap a pic if you make them and tag me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook! I’d love to see your tasty creations.
💬 Got a favorite combo or mix-in for these easy no-bake healthy snack bars? Drop it in the comments below!
More Delicious Healthy Treats to Try
- 35 Homemade Healthy Granola Recipes
- Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies
- Easy Fruit Granola Bars
- Super Healthy Blueberry Oat Muffins Made with Almond Flour
Healthy Dark Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- Healthy Oatmeal Cups
- 30 Delicious Healthy Oat Recipes
- Best Vanilla Almond Granola
Super Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars
By Kim Lange
Make your snacks healthy with these Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars. Easy to make, nutritious, and deliciously sweet.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Course: Dessert, Snack
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 325 kcal
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
SUPER HEALTHY NUT & FRUIT GRANOLA BARS RECIPE
- ½ cup honey (if keeping in freezer, you could use agave nectar or maple syrup, not sure about the fridge)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats (can sub with gluten-free oats, if wanting gluten free option)
- ¾ cup crispy rice or puffed quinoa cereal
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup dried cherries (can also use dried cranberries, blueberries, apricot)
- ½ cup nuts (I used almonds, pumpkin seeds and pistachios)
CHOCOLATE TOPPING
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for melting on top of bars)
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil (for thinning chocolate, if needed)
- optional sea salt
Instructions
Instructions How To Make Super Healthy Nut & Fruit Granola Bars
Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on two of the sides like handles. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over medium heat, add in the honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil and stir until smooth and combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cereal, flaxseed, chia seeds cinnamon, salt, raisins, dried cherries and nuts together.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the top of the granola mixture and mix everything together until everything is completely covered with the honey peanut butter mixture.
Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan, and press into an even layer.
Melt chocolate in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes and add coconut oil if needed for thinning chocolate. Once chocolate is melted drizzle on top of granola mixture. I find it is easier to drizzle if I put the melted chocolate in a pastry bag and make a zig zag motion over the bars.
Place the granola mixture in the refrigerator to set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Once fully chilled, remove the bars from the pan and use a very sharp knife to slice into bars.
Place cut bars in an airtight container in the freezer or fridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.004 g
- Sodium: 126 mg
- Potassium: 206 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Vitamin A: 312 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 45 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Keyword: bars, dried fruit, healthy, no bake, nuts
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