Save Crunchy, chewy granola bars packed with roasted pumpkin seeds, tart cranberries, oats, and a touch of honey—perfect for a healthy snack on the go.
I remember making these granola bars for my family road trip—everyone loved the combination of chewy cranberries with crunchy pumpkin seeds. The batch disappeared before we even arrived at our destination, and my kids begged me to make them again!
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), unsalted: 1 cup
- Dried cranberries, chopped: 1/2 cup
- Chopped almonds: 1/2 cup
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat wet ingredients:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together honey, brown sugar, and butter. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix until evenly coated.
- Press into pan:
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Use a spatula or another sheet of parchment to press firmly and evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in pan (about 1 hour). Lift out using parchment and cut into 12 bars.
Save These bars have become a staple for our family weekend hikes—each bite brings a memory of laughter and adventure along the trail.
Required Tools
You will need an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and a sharp knife for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains almonds, butter, and oats. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed, and always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 205 calories, 10 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save Try these bars warm out of the oven for an irresistible treat, or pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome snack anytime.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I substitute the pumpkin seeds?
Yes, sunflower seeds or other nuts can replace pumpkin seeds, offering a different texture and flavor while maintaining crunch.
- → How do I make the bars vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based butter alternative to keep the bars vegan-friendly.
- → Is it better to toast the oats and nuts before baking?
Toasting for about 8 minutes enhances the nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to the bars.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to two months.
- → Can I use other dried fruits?
Dried cherries or blueberries work well as substitutes for cranberries, adding different fruity notes.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
The bars contain oats which may have gluten. Use certified gluten-free oats to make them gluten-free.