During the course of a week, I make several batches of granola bars for my family. There are a few recipes that I use quite frequently and for varying purpose. Take for instance, the Grunt Bars I make when I am looking to boost protein levels, I make Curley Power Bars when I am wanting to provide a recovery bar after a long meet or practice. This recipe for Everyday Granola Bars is one that I usually pack into lunch boxes or have waiting on the counter when kids arrive home from school hungry and looking for something to eat.
I’m a firm believer that providing the family with healthy choices will encourage children to make better food choices for life. I try to stock the fridge and pantry with lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt so that when kids come home famished, they can quickly grab something healthy to tide them over until supper time.
This recipe is easy to adapt to satisfy your family’s preference. Add dried cranberries or raisins, almonds, pecans or sunflower seeds. We just adore dried apricots in this recipe as well. Change things up as you like. Enjoy!
Everyday Granola Bars
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
1 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coat an 11X7″ baking pan with cooking spray, set aside. Place oats, almonds and dates in a medium bowl; mix thoroughly, set aside. In a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, warm honey and peanut butter; stir until smooth, creamy and pourable. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over oats, dates, and nuts, stir to coat completely.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Evenly pat down mixture to completely fill the pan. Cover and let stand until set; about 30 minutes. Cut into bars. For added freshness, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in air-tight container.
Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts 
Great idea! I’ll be giving this recipe to my ten year old so she can make it as and when. Thank you!
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Perfect for a ten year old! So quick and simple to make. Enjoy and have a great day!
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Thank you for the inspiration! I might try with pure maple syrup instead of honey and use up some cranberries I have instead of dates!
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Sounds perfect, Colleen!
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wow! these are truly wonderful and so similar to my own ones 🙂 Thanks for sharing xxx niki xxx
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Yes, there sure are a lot of granola bar recipes out there. This is an easy one, yet nutritious and delicious. Thanks for your comment, Niki!
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Linda, What an easy and healthy no-bake granola bar recipe. I have never understood why people buy granola bars – that is expensive, plus they are so easy to make. My kids love them with lunch, too. We stock our fridge the same way – lots of healthy fruits, veggies and yogurt for the children (and the husband, in my case – the hospital food is so unhealthy!). I would like to try your recipe this afternoon; I happen to have some gorgeous, floral honey from a local honey maker! Do you think Quaker “quick” oats would work in your recipe? Have a great weekend – and thank you for passing on an easy, healthy recipe for the munchkins. I have a granola recipe on my site called “favorite granola bars” that is quite tasty, but it requires baking.
Best wishes, Shanna
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Absolutely, quick oats are fine. Old fashioned oats are a bit less processed so I try to use them when I can but the quick oats will work just fine. These bars are nice for the little ones, Shanna. When mine were young, I always had a few bars in my purse for walks to the park or the library. I’d plop the kids down in the grass and break up a bar to share as a little snack. These days, each takes a few in their lunch box for the day. I go through lots of old fashioned oats every week. Have a good day, Shanna. I hope you’re nice and warm down there because it’s sooo cold up here! 🙂
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You are completely right that old fashioned oats are more healthy and delicious. Irish steel cut oats are the pinnacle of oats in this house, which are now available at Costco. 🙂 I must stock up soon, as only having quick oats is a bit of a travesty. Stay warm, Linda! Have a nice Sunday. I shall try your bars today now that I have the “go-ahead.”
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Haha! Thanks, Shanna … You enjoy your day as well!
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I was going to search for a granola bar recipe today, then lo’ and behold you provided one! No extensive hunt needed and I can get mixing! Thank you 🙂
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Wow, that’s great, Nancy! Glad I could help out! Have a good day… I hope you enjoy the bars.
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Thanks for stopping by my blog, Linda. I see that we share a love of baking with oats–I always use them as my excuse: “Because oats are good for you!”
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They are indeed good for you, Alexandra! Nothing like a piping hot bowl of oats in the morning. All the best to you… Linda
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I am bookmarking this to try. I’ve been meaning to try making my own granola bars, and these look so easy and yummy!
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Thanks for stopping by in this way, I get a chance to read your recipes , this one seems quite easy too.
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Yes, they are quite easy and delicious…a real money saver too!
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Mmmm, might have to make a batch of these babies! Come by my blog some time and check out my recipes. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like! 🙂
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I will certainly do that, Joanna. Thanks for stopping by. Happy blogging!
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And to you… 🙂
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Hi Linda…thank you so much for visiting my blog and liking the Kringle” post. What a fun site you have created for your family and all of the rest of us. I have little people so the “Kids in the Kitchen” is fun!
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Thank you Aaryne, I am so glad I noticed your blog. I will be visiting it often! So happy that you found my blog as well! Happy baking! 🙂
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