Hey there, my friend 
. If you love chewy, soft granola bars that don’t break your teeth, you’re in the right place. This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, nutty, and soft, with just the right amount of chewiness.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or a long prep time. I’ve got a special trick that keeps them soft and fresh for days.
Let me show you how to make them.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking pan (8×8 or 9×9)
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Sharp knife for slicing
Important Info
- Servings: 12 bars
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $5-$7 depending on ingredients
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: 180 calories
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Snack, Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Soft Granola Bars
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Honey | Maple syrup, agave nectar |
| Peanut butter | Almond butter, sunflower seed butter |
| Old-fashioned oats | Quick oats |
| Dried fruits | Chopped dates, shredded coconut |
| Chopped nuts | Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal.
- Toast the oats and nuts by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking for 5 minutes. This step is optional but makes the bars taste even better.
- Warm the wet ingredients by heating the honey and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and salt.
- Combine everything by pouring the wet mixture over the oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Stir well until everything is coated.
- Press into the pan by spreading the mixture evenly and pressing it down firmly with a spatula. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top and press lightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy by lifting the bars out of the pan with the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars and store as needed.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra soft bars, don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are set.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars don’t fall apart.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut them cleanly without crumbling.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Soft Granola Bars
These bars are great on their own, but you can serve them with:
- A glass of milk or almond milk
- A cup of coffee or tea
- Yogurt for a quick breakfast
- Fresh fruits like bananas or berries
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve these bars on a small plate with a napkin for easy snacking. If packing for on-the-go, wrap them in wax paper or store them in a reusable container.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These granola bars are perfect for:
- Breakfast on the go – Grab one and eat it on your way out.
- Lunchboxes – A great snack for kids and adults.
- Road trips – They stay fresh and don’t make a mess.
- Hiking or picnics – Easy to pack and give you energy.
- Holiday snack trays – Cut into smaller squares for variety.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration
- If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge.
- They will stay good for up to 2 weeks.
- Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
- For long-term storage, wrap each bar in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these granola bars without baking?
Yes, you can skip baking and just chill the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours until they firm up. They will be softer but still hold together well.
How do I make these granola bars nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and swap the nuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture will be softer. If you want a bit of crunch, use half quick oats and half old-fashioned oats.
Are these granola bars good for kids?
Yes, they are kid-friendly and make a great lunchbox snack. Just be sure to use nut-free options if packing them for school.
Why are my granola bars falling apart?
If your bars are too crumbly, try pressing them down more firmly in the pan or adding a little extra honey to help them stick together.