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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 fuelled up for a while. The only downside is that they could be a bit pricey and who knows what ingredients are used!
I was sure I could do better at home, especially after I discovered Manuka honey. It seemed like the perfect ingredient to add that perfect touch of sweetness every granola bar needs.
Why Manuka honey
I’d heard of Manuka honey before and but not given it a try myself. Some people swear by the benefits to the body, as well as its 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.
Manuka honey 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’ve also learned that not all Manuka honey on the market are created equal. Make sure you buy an authentic Manuka honey to get all the great benefits.
How do you make granola bars at home
I decided to make my granola bars quite simple. Just oats, honey, coconut oil, a bit of unprocessed sugar for sweetness and hazelnuts.
You can use any nuts or seeds you love or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Recipe Tips and 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 This is an affiliate link.airtight container, otherwise they will turn soft, especially if you live in a humid place like England!
More granola recipes
Manuka Honey and Oats Granola Bars
Equipment
- This is an affiliate link.Baking sheet
- This is an affiliate link.Mixing bowl
- This is an affiliate link.9×13 baking pan
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious, healthy and not too sweet. Dried cranberries and a handful of mini chocolate chips on top make them a bit more interesting. These bars were enjoyed as a healthy treat during winter break.
I am so glad you enjoyed these, Susan! I need to make a batch for my family soon. It’s been a while!
Can you substitute avocado oil for the coconut oil? Will it work please?
I haven’t tested it but my guess would be yes you can.
You’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.
I 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!
Good 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.”
As 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!
I 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!
I know my kids would go gaga for these! They do look especially delicious – that honey has such a wonderful unique taste.
My kids are already begging me for more! The last bars were fiercely fought over!