Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars
Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars – A copycat version of Whole Foods Granola Bars recipe that is soft, chewy, easy to make, and so delicious!
Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
Amazing homemade bars just like the ones you buy at Whole Foods Market. This copycat version of Whole Foods Granola Bars is a lunch box staple in our house, because they save money and are completely irresistible! Plus, this is an actual healthy granola bar recipe!
You know those moist chewy granola bars that are always sitting up at the checkout counter at Whole Foods Market, begging to be purchased?
The ones that cost around $2.50 – $5.00 a chunk, but are so wonderful you can’t stop yourself from buying them every time you enter the store??
(Surely I’m not the only one who does this.)
Homemade Bars
We’re making that healthy granola bars recipe today… We’re making a lot of them for a lot less money.
In fact, most of the items necessary are always in my pantry and freezer. The first time I made these bars, I only needed to buy brown rice syrup to create these ultra moist and chewy copycat Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars, packed with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and coconut.
And even if you don’t have a freezer/pantry full of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit like I do, you’ll still save money by buying the ingredients from the bulk bins in your grocery store.
What Ingredients You Will Need
- Whole oats (or part oats + part oat bran)
- Raw almonds, whole or sliced
- Raw cashews, chopped
- Raw pepitas
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries
- Raisins
- Sesame seeds
- Brown sugar, or substitute palm sugar
- Honey
- Brown rice syrup
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt (or swap 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for kosher salt)
How to Make Granola Bars
Instructions…
- Place the ground and whole oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Line a large 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- Place the brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pot over high heat. Bring to a roaring boil, stir well, then remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Then pour the syrup over the dry ingredients.
- Mix well, so that all the dry ingredients are coated, then scoop the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture out evenly in the pan. Use another sheet of wax paper to press down on the mixture until flat and packed. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set, then cut into squares. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator, or in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Seriously, it’s that easy.
Notable Tips
Brown rice syrup is a key component in the homemade granola bars recipe because it holds the mixture together better than any other “healthy” syrup available.
Also note, the texture of store-bought Whole Foods Granola Bars is slightly finer than what you see here. In the recipe below, I’m asking you to grind part of the oats to help the mixture pack and hold together. Yet, you could grind all the oats if you want a finer texture. We just personally like a little more chunk in our bars.
My kids beg for my copycat version of Whole Foods Granola Bars, and I never mind making them because they are such a time and money saver.
I even slip one in my purse when I head out to Whole Foods Market, so I’m not tempted to buy one at the counter. *wink*
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do These Healthy Granola Bars Last?
You can store these healthy snacks in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks.
What Other Variations Can I Make With This Dish?
You could add in flavor by mixing in sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, banana chips, cinnamon, slice apricots, unsweetened coconut, or mini chocolate chips as some wholesome ingredients as mix-ins.
Other Bars To Check Out
- Peanut Butter Granola Bars by A Couple Cooks
- Paleo Bars with Nuts and Chocolate Drizzle
- Breakfast Oat Bar
- Keto Cereal Bars (Low Carb)
- Energy Oatmeal Bites
Check out the printable recipe card below for nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, protein, and fiber percentages. Make sure to share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole oats, or 3 1/4 cups oats + 3/4 cup oat bran
- 3/4 cup raw almonds, whole or sliced
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, chopped
- 1/2 cup raw pepitas
- 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, or substitute palm sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Pour 1 1/2 cups oats in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
- Place the ground and remaining whole oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit in a large bowl. Mix well. Line a large 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- Place the brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pot over high heat. Bring to a roaring boil, stir well, then remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Then pour the syrup over the dry ingredients.
- Mix well, so that all the dry ingredients are coated, then scoop the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture out evenly. Use another sheet of wax paper to press down on the mixture until flat and packed. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set, then cut into squares. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator, or in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Sounds really good, but I was wondering what I can substitute for the coconut and coconut oil? Don’t like coconut. Thank you!
Hi Michelle, You can use any flavorless oil you like and just omit the shredded coconut. (Or add another type of nut/seed.)
Been wanting to try out a granola bar, they are heathy and great fuel pre-workout. Best part is that you can control the ingredients and minimize any preservatives! Such a great snack for the road without having to wonder how long it’s been sitting on that convenience store shelf! May make these tomorrow night during the big game!
I love these bars, they look so much much better than store bought!
I could snack on these all day!! Delicious!
Your granola bars and its ingredients are just lovely – luv the ingredients you used and will have to look into the brown rice syrup to cut down on the amount of honey I usually include in granola bar recipes. The colors of the bars are inviting too!
I love homemade granola bars of all types. I’ve never seen the bars at WF, but these look fantastic!!!
I can’t wait to make these… delish!
These look amazing!! Love!!!
I love homemade granola bars!!! These look over the top delicious!!!
Genius Sommer! These look amazing!
Homemade granola bars are seriously the best! Thanks for a great recipe :)
I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be able to stop eating these. What an amazing pan of granola bars!
Sommer these look beautiful! I just made some VERY similar and I love using the rice syrup because my cane sugar allergic daughter can have it! perfect snack!
Great recipe! Pinned it and I will make it. I just love all the healthy ingredients in them:)
I’m always looking for new snacks!! These look fantastic, Sommer!
I’ve never had a whole foods bar but now you’ve just made me want one! Help there’s no Whole Foods around. Guess I have to make them myself. ;-)
Happy Wednesday Sommer!
Can these be frozen? Any suggestions on how to handle if frozen? How should I defrost/remove from freezer. I would live to make these ahead of time in large batches.
These remind me of the ones they sell at Costco too! I LOVE them but way easier to make at home!!
YOU DID NOT JUST MAKE THESE?! I love you! These bars rock my socks…but my wallet? notsomuch.
Totally obsessing over these copy-cats! Pinned!