Save to Pinterest Crunchy, chewy granola bars packed with roasted pumpkin seeds, tart cranberries, oats, and a touch of honey—perfect for a healthy snack on the go.
I first made these granola bars for a weekend hike with friends, and they turned out to be the ideal portable snack. Everyone loved the combination of flavors, and they kept us happily fueled throughout the day.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 1 cup, unsalted
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine and Mix:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Shape Bars:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or another sheet of parchment to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool:
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour).
- Cut Bars:
- Lift the granola slab out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 even bars with a sharp knife.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping press the granola mixture into the pan—it's become a fun family tradition any time we make these bars together.
Required Tools
8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds), dairy (butter), and potential gluten (oats—use certified gluten-free oats if needed). Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 205 calories, 10 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these granola bars as a grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. They're great for packing in lunchboxes too!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the cranberries with other dried fruits?
Yes, dried cherries or blueberries are great alternatives that add a similar tartness and texture.
- → Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey and replace butter with a vegan alternative to keep the bars plant-based.
- → How do I get extra crunch in the bars?
Toasting the oats and nuts for about 8 minutes before mixing enhances the crunchiness and deepens flavor.
- → What storage methods keep the bars fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze up to two months for longer freshness.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
They contain oats that may have gluten traces, so use certified gluten-free oats if gluten is a concern.