These Manuka Honey and Oats Granola Bars made with all natural ingredients are so much tastier and cheaper than the store bought ones!
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Do your kids eat school lunches or are you a packed lunch mom? Mine have always been turning their noses up at school food!
Undoubtedly their lunches are the same every day. A sandwich, a piece of fruit, a yogurt tube and a granola bar. And the non- negotiable item is a granola bar.
Granola bars are a great snack on the go. Dense, nutritious food that keeps us fueled up for a while. The only downside is that they could be a bit pricey and who know what ingredients are used!
I was sure I could do better at home, especially after I was approached by Comvita Manuka Honey and asked to develop a recipe using their delicious product.
Manuka Honey Benefits
I’ve heard of Manuka honey before and its healing properties but have never tried it myself, so naturally I was curious and excited to work with Comvita Manuka Honey to test it for myself. First of all, I’ve heard that Manuka honey could be used to heal sore throats and digestive problems to just name a few. It could also have quite a strong and pronounced taste.
My grandfather comes from a family of beekeepers, and I grew up on the most delicious, fragrant, raw honey there is, so I am a bit picky when it comes to the honey taste.
This Manuka honey by Comvita from New Zealand was so delicious I was tempted to just stick the spoon in the jar and keep going but I didn’t. I showed restraint.
I also learned that not all Manuka honey on the market are created equal. If you want to make sure you are buying an authentic product that comes with all the health benefits, look for a UMF® quality mark, which Comvita Manuka honey has had since 1974.
How do you make granola bars at home
I made my granola bars quite simple. Just oats, honey, coconut oil, a bit of unprocessed sugar for sweetness and hazelnuts.
You can an use any nuts or seeds you love or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Manuka Honey and Oats Granola Bar Recipe Notes
- I used raw Demerara sugar that has a naturally caramel-like flavour and together with Manuka honey they deliver a beautiful taste. You can also experiment with Muscovado or Turbinado sugars.
- This recipe is easily adaptable, feel free to vary your add-ons like different nuts, seeds or chocolate chips.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal!!
- I left my hazelnuts whole due to a personal preference but your bars will hold together better if you chop your nuts.
- The recipe makes 16 bars that should be kept in an air-tight container, otherwise they will turn soft, especially if you live in a humid place like England!
More favourite granola recipes:
Ingredients
- 250 g /2/5 cups Scottish porridge oats/rolled oats
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 tbsp Manuka honey
- 150 g /1 cup hazelnuts
- 4 tbsp Demerara sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- In a large bowl combine oats, melted coconut oil, Manuka honey, Demerara sugar and chopped nuts.
- Line a 9" X 13" pan with parchment paper making sure the sides overhang from the pan, then empty the contents of the bowl into the pan, spread evenly and then pack in tightly.
- Bake for 20 minutes until slightly golden and smells of honey. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then pick up by the overhanging sides of parchment paper and lift from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 rectangles. Cool completely and store in an air-tight container.
Melanie says
atYou’re a mind reader! Lol, I was just talking to my husband about making our own granola bars last night and you made it look so easy! Pinning and making soon. Thanks, Julia.
Safina says
atI like your recipe but I thought manuka honey shouldn’t be heated otherwise it would lose some of its healing properties. I am not sure though. What is your advice on this? Thanks!
vikalinka says
atGood question, Safina!Fortunately, here is the answer ‘The UMF properties of Manuka is extremely stable and, unlike the hydrogen peroxide common in most honey, is not easily destroyed by heat, light and enzymes in the body.”
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
atAs someone who frequently eats honey right from the jar I admire your restraint! These granola bars look wonderful. Granola bars are one of my favorite snacks but I rarely make them at home. Thank you for inspiring me to try again!
vikalinka says
atI was quite surprised how easy and quick they are to make at home! Definitely beats the store bought ones that are too hard and so expensive!
Lucy Parissi says
atI know my kids would go gaga for these! They do look especially delicious – that honey has such a wonderful unique taste.
vikalinka says
atMy kids are already begging me for more! The last bars were fiercely fought over!