Playgroup Granola Bars – Soft, Chewy, Healthy Homemade Snack Bars
Playgroup Granola Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with honey and peanut butter. Rolled oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats in every bite. These bars require only a few simple ingredients and come together quickly with minimal effort. They store well for days and freeze beautifully for long-term meal prep. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, playdates, and healthy snacking, these homemade bars are both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and raisins.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
- Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes for cleaner slicing.
- Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Press the mixture firmly before baking.
- Cool completely before cutting.
- Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor.
- Add chocolate chips after the mixture cools slightly.
- Store at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate during warm weather.
- Freeze bars for up to three months.