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Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars

Name: Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups rolled oats (divided); ¼ cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); ¼ cup honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: May 22, 2025

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This Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars recipe is an easy, homemade version of the popular store-bought snack. Made with oats, honey, and brown sugar, these crunchy bars are perfect for a healthy, on-the-go snack or breakfast.

Homemade Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars with oats and honey.

Craving the crunchy, sweet goodness of Nature Valley Granola Bars? You can now make them at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe!

Packed with oats, honey, and a touch of salt, these homemade granola bars are just as satisfying as the store-bought version, but without any of the preservatives.

Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Easy to Make: This simple recipe comes together quickly, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
No Preservatives: Enjoy the same great taste as the store-bought version without any artificial additives or preservatives.
Healthy Snack: Packed with oats and honey, these bars provide a wholesome, energy-boosting snack for busy days.
Cost-Effective: Making your own granola bars is a budget-friendly way to enjoy Nature Valley’s classic snack at home!

Nature Valley Granola Bars Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars on kitchen table.

Rolled oats: Divided for texture and crunch
Vegetable oil: For moisture
Honey: For natural sweetness and binding
Vanilla extract: For flavor depth
Brown sugar: For added sweetness and richness
Baking soda; For leavening and texture
Salt: To enhance the flavors

How To Make Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars

Whisking together vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then mixing with dry ingredients.

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Step Two: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Transferring the granola mixture into a baking dish, pressing it down evenly, and baking until golden brown.

Step Three: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step Four: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan and cut into bars.

Homemade Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars made with oats, honey, and brown sugar.

Recipe Tips

Press Firmly: When pressing the granola mixture into the baking dish, make sure to press it down firmly to ensure the bars hold together when cut.
Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before cutting them. This helps them firm up and prevents crumbling.
Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts, to give these granola bars a personal twist.
Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the brown sugar or honey slightly to your liking.

Storing

Store your Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, where they will last up to two weeks. If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Homemade Copycat Nature Valley Granola Bars with oats, honey, and brown sugar.

Recipes Faqs

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats? Yes, rolled oats work perfectly in this recipe and will give the bars a chewier texture compared to quick oats.

Can I substitute the honey with something else? You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the granola bars? Absolutely! You can mix in nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to make the bars more customizable.

Why do I need to press the mixture down firmly? Pressing the mixture firmly helps the granola bars stick together and hold their shape when cut. This step is key to avoiding crumbling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats and make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free, such as using a gluten-free vanilla extract.

How long do these granola bars last? When stored properly in an airtight container, these granola bars will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature, or two weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these granola bars? Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

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