Wholesome Oat Granola Bars

By
Kimberley Eggleston
Kimberley Eggleston
Kimberley Eggleston is a registered dietitian, nutrition class instructor, and food writer who specializes in healthy cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/30/21
Wholesome Low-Calorie Oat Granola Bars

The Spruce / Loren Runion

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 12 servings

You may think that commercial granola bars make a great, quick snack. But, have you ever looked closely at the nutrition label of some popular brands? They are often loaded with sugars and chocolate and not much in the way of fiber and other nutrients.

Making your bars and skipping the processed stuff is a far better option. This recipe for homemade low-calorie granola bars is a terrific alternative. The ingredients are wholesome, healthy, and better yet, will leave you feeling full. Plus, making your own granola bars lets you be in control of what goes into them. If you don't care for raisins, try adding diced dried apricots or cherries. If you have walnuts laying around but not almonds, go ahead and switch them out. Or if you like cinnamon, try adding a teaspoon to the recipe. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats, divided

  • 3/4 cup raisins

  • 3/4 cup sliced almonds

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons wheat germ

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 large egg whites

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Nonstick cooking spray

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

    Wholesome Low-Calorie Oat Granola Bars ingredients

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  2. In a blender or food processor, add 1/2 cup of the rolled oats. Process for 5 to 10 seconds until the oats are ground into a coarse powder. Set aside.

    rolled oats in a blender

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  3. Coarsely chop the raisins into slightly smaller pieces. Set aside.

    Coarsely chop the raisins into slightly smaller pieces

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  4. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, processed oats, raisins, almonds, brown sugar, wheat germ, and salt.

    In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, processed oats, raisins, almonds, brown sugar, wheat germ, and salt

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  5. In a separate dish, whisk the egg and egg whites with a fork.

    whisk the egg and egg whites with a fork

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  6. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.

    Stir the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the egg mixture

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  7. Pour the egg mixture over the oat mixture and combine well with a spoon.

    combine the egg mixture with the oat mixture

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  8. Coat an 8 x 11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

    greased baking dish

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  9. Use the back of a large spoon or your fingers to press the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

    granola mixture in the making dish

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges of the granola patty become lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool for 5 minutes in the dish.

    baked granola mixture in a baking dish

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  11. Turn the granola out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    granola on a cooling rack

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

  12. Once cool, cut the patty into 12 equal bars. Store or serve immediately and enjoy.

    Wholesome Low-Calorie Oat Granola Bars cut into pieces

    The Spruce / Loren Runion

How to Store Homemade Granola Bars

Store the granola bars in an airtight container with a piece of wax paper between layers. They'll keep for up to a week. Or you could make a double batch and eat one batch this week and freeze the rest to take out for next week. Grab one as you are running out the door for a satisfying snack.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
183 Calories
6g Fat
28g Carbs
6g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 183
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 88mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 238mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)