5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars – Easy, Chewy & Perfect for Snacking

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Author: Adam
Published:

🎉 Introduction

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we return to over and over again. These 5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a delicious and nourishing snack. Packed with hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and just enough chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence, they’re the ideal grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

Best of all, this recipe comes together in minutes, no fancy equipment required. You can enjoy them as-is for a chewy bite or refrigerate for a firmer texture.


🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
  • Parchment paper

🛒 Ingredients

Fresh Produce:

  • 2 eggs, whole

Breakfast Foods:

  • 3 cups rolled oats, old-fashioned

Condiments:

  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ cup peanut butter, natural

Culinary Aids & Spices:

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave), warm peanut butter and honey until smooth and combined.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding eggs.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats and chocolate chips.
  2. Pour in the warm peanut butter-honey mixture and crack in the eggs.
  3. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape & Set

  1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.

Step 5: Chill or Bake

  • No-Bake Version: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm, then cut into bars.
  • Baked Version: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until set and lightly golden, then cool completely before slicing.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill/Bake Time: 15–120 minutes depending on method
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (baked) or ~2 hours (no-bake)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (baked version only).

Refrigerator:

  • Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Freezer:

  • Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before eating.

🥄 Variations

  • Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Extra Protein: Add 2–3 tbsp protein powder to the oat mixture.
  • Fruit Boost: Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
  • Superfood Kick: Sprinkle in chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts.
  • White Chocolate Swap: Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make these vegan?

Yes—replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.

2. Can I use quick oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer.

3. Do I need to bake them?

No—this recipe works as a no-bake or baked version.

4. Can I melt the chocolate into the mixture?

Yes—this will give the bars a chocolatey base throughout.

5. What’s the best way to press them into the pan?

Use the back of a greased spoon or place parchment over the mixture and press firmly with your hands.

6. Will almond butter work?

Yes—any creamy nut or seed butter works.

7. Can I add more sweetness?

Yes—drizzle melted chocolate over the top after setting.

8. Can I store them at room temperature?

Only the baked version; the no-bake bars need refrigeration.

9. Can I make them without chocolate chips?

Yes—replace with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust chilling/baking time slightly.


🏁 Conclusion

These 5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars are the ultimate quick snack—simple, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep them chewy and no-bake or bake them for a golden finish, they’re perfect for school lunches, post-workout fuel, or a sweet treat with your coffee.

Adam

5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars – Easy, Chewy & Perfect for Snacking

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we return to over and over again. These 5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a delicious and nourishing snack. Packed with hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and just enough chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence, they’re the ideal grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Best of all, this recipe comes together in minutes, no fancy equipment required. You can enjoy them as-is for a chewy bite or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
  

Fresh Produce:
  • 2 eggs whole
Breakfast Foods:
  • 3 cups rolled oats old-fashioned
Condiments:
  • cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ cup peanut butter natural
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave), warm peanut butter and honey until smooth and combined.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding eggs.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats and chocolate chips.
  2. Pour in the warm peanut butter-honey mixture and crack in the eggs.
  3. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
Step 4: Shape & Set
  1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.
Step 5: Chill or Bake
  1. No-Bake Version: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm, then cut into bars.
  2. Baked Version: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until set and lightly golden, then cool completely before slicing.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (baked version only).
Refrigerator:
Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Freezer:
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before eating.
🥄 Variations
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Extra Protein: Add 2–3 tbsp protein powder to the oat mixture.
Fruit Boost: Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
Superfood Kick: Sprinkle in chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts.
White Chocolate Swap: Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make these vegan?
Yes—replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.
2. Can I use quick oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer.
3. Do I need to bake them?
No—this recipe works as a no-bake or baked version.
4. Can I melt the chocolate into the mixture?
Yes—this will give the bars a chocolatey base throughout.
5. What’s the best way to press them into the pan?
Use the back of a greased spoon or place parchment over the mixture and press firmly with your hands.
6. Will almond butter work?
Yes—any creamy nut or seed butter works.
7. Can I add more sweetness?
Yes—drizzle melted chocolate over the top after setting.
8. Can I store them at room temperature?
Only the baked version; the no-bake bars need refrigeration.
9. Can I make them without chocolate chips?
Yes—replace with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust chilling/baking time slightly.
🏁 Conclusion
These 5 Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars are the ultimate quick snack—simple, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep them chewy and no-bake or bake them for a golden finish, they’re perfect for school lunches, post-workout fuel, or a sweet treat with your coffee.
COOK WITH ADEM

Hi there! I’m Adem, the chef and creator behind Cook with Adem. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’ve dedicated my life to exploring flavors, experimenting with new dishes, and sharing my love of food with others.

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