Healthy Trail Mix Granola Bars Recipe

I love making these Healthy Granola Bars with old fashioned rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, and roughly chopped mixed nuts. The natural almond butter and honey join dried cranberries and chopped dates to create a chewy sweet blend that offers a pure, simple snack bursting with goodness and irresistible flavor.

I recently came up with a new twist on my usual snack routine, and man, these Healthy Trail Mix Granola Bars are something else. I mixed 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats with unsweetened shredded coconut, and tossed in roughly chopped mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans along with a bit of mixed seeds.

Then I added some dried cranberries and chopped pitted dates, which give it that perfect sweet and chewy kick. I mix it all together with natural almond butter, honey, a splash of vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.

The result is a snack that is both nutty and naturally sweet, ideal for anyone looking for a smart, healthy treat that beats store bought ones any day. I know, it sounds simple but trust me, these bars pack an energizing punch and are easy to whip up, making them a cool alternative to other healthy snack bars.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s such an easy way to mix up really good flavors. I love how you get both the chewy texture from the oats and dates and the crunchy bits from the nuts and seeds—even when it seems a bit messy sometimes it always turns out awesome.

I really enjoy that its pretty flexible and i can swap out ingredients if i wanna change it up. Like, if i don’t have cranberries i can use raisins and it still tastes great. It makes me feel creative in the kitchen.

Another reason is that i appreciate how naturally sweet the bars are. The honey and almond butter blend together perfectly with the vanilla, and even though its not overly sugary it gives me that treat feel without a sugar crash.

Finally, i dig that making it at home feels more rewarding than buying something off the shelf. It’s simple to whip together and i feel like im taking care of myself by choosing cleaner, whole ingredients rather than processed stuff.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: They are full of fiber and carbs which gives you long lasting energy and keeps you full.
• Shredded coconut: Offers healthy fats with a hint of natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
• Pitted dates: These add loads of natural sweetness and extra fiber while being really filling.
• Almond butter: It provides protein and healthy fats that help bind all the ingredients together.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that moistens the bars and adds a rich, subtle flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1/4 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1/3 cup natural almond butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and the mixed seeds.

3. Add in the dried cranberries and give it a quick stir.

4. In a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, warm up the almond butter and honey just for about 30 seconds until they get a bit runny.

5. Stir the vanilla extract and salt into that warmed mixture.

6. Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with all your dry ingredients and mix them well until combined.

7. Fold in the chopped dates evenly into the mix.

8. Press the entire mixture firmly in the pan, making sure its spread out evenly.

9. Bake it for about 20 minutes or until you see the edges turning slightly golden.

10. Let the baked mix cool completely in the pan then cut into bars and enjoy your chewy, nutty treats!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper
3. Large bowl for mixing dry ingredients
4. Small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl for warming the almond butter and honey
5. Mixing spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients
6. Knife and cutting board for chopping dates and nuts, if not already chopped

FAQ

Healthy Trail Mix Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Old fashioned rolled oats: You can use quick oats instead but be aware they might change the texture of your bars a bit
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Try using unsweetened coconut flakes if you prefer a slightly chewier bite
• Mixed nuts: If you dont have a selection on hand, you could use just one type like almonds or even cashews
• Natural almond butter: Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work just as fine as a substitute
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar is a good alternative if you need a vegan option

Pro Tips

1. Try gently warming the almond butter and honey for just the right length of time. Don’t overdo it or they might burn and ruin the flavor.
2. Press the mix into the pan as firmly as you can. This really helps the bars hold together once they’ve cooled.
3. Toast the oats and nuts in the oven for a few minutes before mixing everything. This adds more depth and nuttiness to your bars.
4. Let the mixture cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This little trick keeps them from crumbling apart when you’re slicing.