Poor Man's Granola Bar

Simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly, "Poor Man's Granola Bar" is the ultimate snack recipe designed to deliver big flavor on a small budget. This homemade granola bar combines pantry staples like rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, honey, and a touch of cinnamon for a wholesome treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Customize it with wallet-friendly ingredients such as sunflower seeds and raisins, or use whatever mix-ins you have on hand. Ready in just 35 minutes, including prep and bake time, these chewy, golden bars are perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout energy, or a midday pick-me-up. Packed with protein, natural sweetness, and a satisfying crunch, these easy no-fuss granola bars store well, making them a cost-effective staple for your weekly meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rolled oats
• 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 0.5 cup Honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar (optional for added sweetness)
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Sunflower seeds (or any affordable seed/nut)
• 0.5 cup Raisins (or other dried fruit, optional)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, cinnamon powder, salt, and raisins (if using). Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar (if using), and vegetable oil or melted butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring all the oats are coated.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly and use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the pan.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. This is important for the bars to set properly.

Step 8

Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and slice into 8 evenly sized bars.

Step 9

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(716.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3336.0

Total Fat 186.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1668.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 365.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.7g	0%
Total Sugars 204.8g
Protein 101.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 373.6mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 3247.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 41.2%