Homemade granola bars are the perfect snack for when you need a little boost of energy or a tasty treat on the go.
These bars are packed with crunchy pecans, sliced almonds, and chewy raisins, all held together by a sweet blend of oats and honey.
The sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a delightful nutty flavor and a touch of texture that makes these bars extra special.
Whether you’re packing them for a hike, a midday snack, or just a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these granola bars are sure to hit the spot.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan (5 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Toast the oats, pecans, and almonds (10 minutes):
- Spread the oats, chopped pecans, and sliced almonds on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the wet mixture (5 minutes):
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, unsalted butter, and brown sugar.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Mix everything together (5 minutes):
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, pecans, almonds, and raisins.
- Pour the honey-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into the pan and add sesame seeds (5 minutes):
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top and press them gently into the mixture.
- Bake the granola bars (20-25 minutes):
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Cut and serve (10 minutes):
- Once cooled, lift the granola bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.
These granola bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.
Whether you’re enjoying them at home or on the go, these bars are a wholesome treat you can feel good about!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
