Sadly, many granola bars on the market these days are nothing more than glorified candy bars, with as much sugar as a Snickers and a long list of ingredients you can’t even pronounce. But not only is it possible to make a naturally-sweetened granola bar recipe that actually IS healthy, you might end up liking them so much you’ll never want to buy another granola bar ever again.
Did I mention these healthy granola bars taste like Nutella?
The following recipe, adapted from my popular Chocolate Chip Cherry Chewy Granola Bars, is sweetened only with fruit – no sugar is needed. Even if you do opt to use sugar in yours, the amount will be much less than is found in most store-bought bars (and no high fructose corn syrup!).
They are perfect for a lunchbox and are also great for on-the-go snacking, and you can easily freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Nutella Granola Bars
(makes 8-10 bars)
- 1/2 cup applesauce or mashed banana (120g)
- 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread or Homemade Healthy Nutella (60g)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4g)
- packed 1/3 cup dried dates (55g)
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (35g)
- 1/2 cup puffed wheat or puffed rice (9g)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (45g)
- 1/8 tsp plus 1/16 tsp salt
- pinch pure stevia, or 1 1/2 tbsp sugar of choice
Preheat oven to 325 F and line an 8-in square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, stir together the applesauce and chocolate hazelnut spread until smooth. Stir in the vanilla, then set the bowl aside. In a food processor, combine the dried fruit and hazelnuts until they form fine crumbles. Pour into a large mixing bowl and stir together with all remaining dry ingredients. Add the nutella mixture and stir until evenly combined, then smooth into the prepared baking pan and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Press down VERY firmly. Bake 26 minutes, then allow to cool 10 minutes before slicing into bars. Frost with more chocolate hazelnut spread if desired.
Click to view: Granola Bars Calories & Nutrition Facts
Question of the Day:
Do you have a favorite homemade or store-bought granola bar?
Link of the Day: Dole Whip Recipe – Bring Disney to your kitchen!
Kate says
Is there something you can sub for dates? Thanks
Steph says
Yum! Nutellaaaaaa! I guess my favourite granola bar recipe would have to be… this one! I haven’t even made it yet- but it looks so good and features a healthier Nutella! 🙂
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Yummy – nutella granola bars [you had me at nutella ;)] – these look amazing and I cannot believe I have not tried your healthy nutella yet! Can’t wait to try both of these Katie! Pinned 🙂
Jessica says
I am so horrible about the granola/snack bars…I don’t think there’s a Nature Valley or Kashi bar I haven’t loved, and Special K Chocolatey Pretzel (talk about a glorified candy bar). There’s a health food store I sometimes go to that makes their own…Pomegranate and Cacao nib is my favorite. But I spend way too much money when I go there.
Jordan @ The Blonde Vegan says
Ok, these sound insane. In the best way. And all of the ingredients are in my current diet plan… more or less 😉 sooo trying this out ASAP. Anything nutella and I’m all in.
Kelly says
I really like the Cascadian Farms Oats and Coconut granola bars! They taste great with peanut butter or nutella spread on them as well. I’m going to have to try these bars, they look delicious!
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
Mmmm! These sound delicious! Thanks for sharing!
sunnysideupsoph says
These look amazing! I’ll have to try them, It’s great to know exactly what goes into your breakfast!
Cecilia Penner says
It has been an absolute delight to find your site and try your recipes. I brought the black bean brownies to a friend’s, who was pleased to find a palatable low carb treat for her 8 year old who has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
I have a serious hazelnut allergy. I’ve avoided trying any recipes with hazelnuts, substituting other nuts, because I wanted to know if there’s a nutritional reason you use them, instead of other nuts. My naturopath previously suggested that I use pecans and peanut butter instead of any other nut products in any foods. Your thoughts?
Thank you.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
You can always experiment! Or try this one: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/05/04/reeses-pieces-fudge-frosting/
Judy says
This was really delicious right after it was made. However, after about a week, it started tasting quite acidic, maybe from the cocoa. It’s a great alternative to the real Nutella but it’s a lot of work for a jar that goes bad too quickly.
Judy says
Whoops, meant to write the above comment for the homemade Nutella recipe.
Peter says
A friend of mine made these but they didn’t hold together – has this ever happened to you? What would cause it (I’m pretty sure she would have followed the recipe closely)?
Do you have any suggestions?