Chewy granola bars made with almond butter.
Make your own chewy almond butter granola bars with this easy recipe!
Homemade Almond Butter Granola Bars: A Healthy and Tasty Snack
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy snack that you can grab on the go, look no further than these almond butter granola bars. They’re wholesome, easy to make, and packed with natural sweetness and energy-boosting ingredients. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a mid-day pick-me-up, these bars are a perfect fit. Plus, they’re highly customizable, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Let’s dive in!
Almond Butter Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond butter
- 2 cups oats (rolled or quick oats work fine)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or any favorite)
Instructions:
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until smooth and well blended. If the almond butter is too thick, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it up.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the oats and dried fruit to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. Make sure everything is evenly coated and sticks together.
- Press and Shape: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly using a spatula or your hands. The firmer you press, the better the bars will hold together once set.
- Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.
- Cut into Bars: Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars or squares.
- Store: Store your granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze them for longer storage!
Why You’ll Love These Bars
These almond butter granola bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re naturally gluten-free (as long as you use certified gluten-free oats) and can be made vegan with a simple swap of honey for maple syrup. Plus, they’re free of preservatives and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought granola bars.
Alternate Recipes to Try
If almond butter isn’t your thing or you want to experiment with different flavors, here are some fun variations to try:
1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Swap almond butter for peanut butter and stir in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips instead of dried fruit. These bars are perfect for chocolate lovers!
2. Tahini and Date Bars
For a nut-free version, use tahini (sesame seed butter) instead of almond butter and chopped dates as your dried fruit. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
3. Coconut Cashew Bars
Replace almond butter with cashew butter and mix in shredded coconut instead of dried fruit. You can also sprinkle some coconut flakes on top before chilling for a tropical twist!
4. Protein-Packed Bars
Boost the protein content by adding 1–2 scoops of your favorite protein powder to the base recipe. You may need to add a splash of almond milk if the mixture becomes too dry.
5. Nutty Trail Mix Bars
Take inspiration from trail mix by adding chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans), seeds (like chia or sunflower seeds), and a mix of dried fruits for texture and flavor variety.
Pro Tips for Perfect Granola Bars
- Stickiness is Key: The almond butter and honey act as the “glue” that holds the bars together, so don’t skimp on these ingredients! If your mixture feels too dry, add a bit more almond butter or honey.
- Press Firmly: The more compact your mixture is in the baking dish, the better your bars will hold their shape once cut.
- Experiment Freely: This recipe is highly adaptable! Feel free to toss in extras like dark chocolate chunks, cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
Homemade granola bars are a fantastic way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients—and they taste so much better than store-bought versions! Whether you stick with the classic almond butter recipe or try one of the fun variations above, you’re sure to end up with a delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking anytime, anywhere.
So, grab your mixing bowl and get creative—your perfect granola bar is just a few simple steps away!
Almond Butter Granola Bars
Print Recipe
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients:
- – 1 cup almond butter – 2 cups oats – 1/4 cup honey – 1/2 cup dried fruit
Instructions:
- 1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. 2. Press into a baking pan and refrigerate for 2 hours. 3. Cut into bars.
NOTES: Great for breakfast on-the-go.
nut butter, granola bars, almond
