Easy Low Calorie Granola Bar Recipe

Granola bars are a great snack to have on hand, especially when you’re trying to watch your calorie intake. But with so many store-bought options that are loaded with sugar, it can be hard to find one that fits into a healthy diet. Fortunately, making your own low-calorie granola bars at home is surprisingly easy. Plus, you can customize them to your liking with whatever mix-ins you prefer.

Ingredients

To make this low-calorie granola bar recipe, you will need:

2 cups rolled oats
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup mix-ins, such as raisins, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, etc.

Instructions

To make the granola bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the oats, flaxseed, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until everything is evenly combined. Fold in the mix-ins of your choice.

Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and press down firmly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for about 20 minutes, then slice into bars. Enjoy!

Tips for Customizing Your Granola Bars

This recipe is really easy to customize and make your own. If you want to switch up the flavor, you can always use a different type of nut or seed butter, or try using agave or maple syrup instead of honey. You can also try different types of mix-ins, like dried fruit, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.

If you’re looking for extra crunch, you can always add some extra oats or nuts to the mix. Or, if you want to make your granola bars more filling and nutrient-dense, you can stir in some protein powder or chia seeds.

Storing Your Granola Bars

These granola bars are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen bars, just microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Granola bars are such a convenient snack, and making them at home ensures that you can control exactly what goes into them. The next time you’re in the mood for a sweet, healthy snack, give this easy low-calorie granola bar recipe a try!