How to Make Fruity Granola Bars at Home

Quick Answer

Make crunchy, vegan fruity granola bars at home using oats, dried fruit, nuts, and a simple binder—no baking required. This recipe cuts down on packaging waste and lets you control the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Homemade Granola Bars

1. 1. Gather Your Ingredients: You'll need rolled oats, dried fruit (like raisins or chopped apricots), chopped nuts, a nut or seed butter, maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt. For a vegan version, use maple syrup. Avoid quick oats—they make the bars too soft. Stick with rolled oats for the best texture.
2. 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup dried fruit, and 1 cup chopped nuts. Stir until evenly distributed. Press the fruit into the oats if it's sticky—this prevents clumps later.
3. 3. Prepare the Wet Binder: In a small saucepan, warm ½ cup nut butter with ⅓ cup maple syrup over low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly runny. Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. Don't boil the mixture—gentle heat is enough to combine. Overheating can make the bars crumbly.
4. 4. Combine and Press: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated. Transfer to a lined 8x8-inch pan and press down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Pressing firmly is key—loose packing leads to bars that fall apart. Use a piece of parchment paper to press without sticking.
5. 5. Chill and Slice: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Lift out using the parchment liner, then slice into bars with a sharp knife. For clean cuts, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Featured Recipe

• Recipe Of The Month – Fruity Granola Bars: These Fruity Granola Bars use an exclusive in-house recipe and are packed full of energy to keep you going all day. If you're short on time, this ready-made option delivers the same crunchy, vegan goodness without the prep work.