Granola Bars for a Crowd

Name: Granola Bars for a Crowd
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 3 cups rolled oats; 1 cup nuts (any variety, chopped); 1 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew); 1 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots, chopped); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I love making granola bars for gatherings, and this recipe is a crowd favorite. It’s simple to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite nuts and fruits. The combination of oats, honey, and nut butter creates a delightful chewy texture that everyone enjoys. Whether you're serving them as a snack or a dessert, these bars are always a hit. Plus, they’re healthy enough to let guests indulge without any guilt, making them perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-20T14:30:19.472Z

When I first started making granola bars, I experimented with various combinations of ingredients until I landed on this perfect blend. The method of toasting the oats beforehand really enhances their nuttiness, giving the bars depth. I've found that adding a touch of brown sugar helps them hold together without becoming too sticky, which is crucial for ease of serving.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can swap in any mix-ins you prefer, like dried cranberries for a tart bite or chocolate chips for a sweet touch. The joy of seeing friends and family enjoy these bars is what keeps me making them every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy oats combined with a chewy texture
Endless customizable options for mix-ins
Quick and easy to whip up for any gathering

Understanding the Ingredients

The base of these granola bars, rolled oats, are crucial for structure and texture. They absorb moisture from the honey and nut butter, ensuring the bars hold together well. Choose certified gluten-free oats if you're catering to gluten-sensitive individuals. Another important ingredient is nut butter; it not only adds flavor but also provides healthy fats, and protein. The choice between peanut, almond, or cashew should align with your guests' preferences or allergies.

Dried fruits contribute both sweetness and texture. If you prefer a more tropical flavor, consider swapping out raisins for dried mango or pineapple. Just keep an eye on the sugar content, especially if you're using sweetened varieties. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a balance of taste and nutrition in your granola bars.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

When baking the granola bars, it's essential to monitor them closely in the last few minutes. You want a golden-brown finish, as this indicates they’re properly toasted. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture; they should feel slightly soft in the middle even when you remove them from the oven since they'll continue to harden as they cool. If they look too soft right after baking, give them a few extra minutes in the oven, but check frequently to avoid burning.

Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish is crucial for achieving dense, chewy bars. Use the back of a measuring cup or a spatula to ensure it's compact and even. This prevents the bars from crumbling when you cut them. If you're using a smaller dish, adjust the baking time accordingly, as thicker bars will typically require a little more time in the oven.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started.

Granola Bars Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts (any variety, chopped)
1 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
1 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your granola bars.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and salt.

Heat Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan, gently heat the nut butter and honey until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Bake

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade granola bars!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds to suit your taste. If you prefer a chewier bar, reduce baking time slightly.

Storage and Enjoyment

Once cooled, these granola bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To extend their freshness, consider wrapping them individually in parchment paper; this also makes them easy to grab for on-the-go snacks. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For serving, cut the bars into squares or rectangles for easy munching. They make an excellent midday pick-me-up or can be served with yogurt and fresh fruit as a delicious breakfast option. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a delightful sweet treat!

Customizing Your Granola Bars

One of the best things about these granola bars is their versatility. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! You can add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch or even a scoop of protein powder if you're looking to increase the protein content. If you're aiming for a lower sugar version, use unsweetened nut butter and reduce the amount of added honey or maple syrup.

Try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. Adding chocolate chips can also make these granola bars a favorite among children. Just remember to mix them in after removing the pan from heat to prevent melting; a few chocolate chips on top, pressed in slightly before cooling, can elevate their appearance too!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these granola bars vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure your nut butter is vegan-friendly.

→ How should I store these granola bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze granola bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-friendly bag for up to three months.

→ What variations can I try?

You can include ingredients like chocolate chips, puffed rice, coconut flakes, or different seeds for added crunch and flavor.