Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bars

These Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bars are a sweet, nutty, and chewy snack packed with wholesome oats, tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and a touch of honey. Perfect for a healthy breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or a lunchbox treat, these homemade granola bars are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and full of energy-boosting ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and wholesome – Made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
• No-bake option available – Quick and easy to prepare.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh for days and is great for grab-and-go.
• Naturally sweetened – Uses honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions

1. Toast the Oats & Pistachios (Optional for Extra Flavor)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread oats and chopped pistachios on a baking sheet.
• Toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let cool.

2. Melt the Wet Ingredients

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and coconut oil until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Mix Everything Together

• In a large bowl, combine oats, pistachios, and dried cranberries.
• Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully coated.
• If using, fold in dark chocolate chips (let the mixture cool slightly first to prevent melting).

4. Press and Set the Bars

• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Transfer the mixture to the pan and press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes) until firm.

5. Slice and Serve

• Lift the granola slab out of the pan and cut into 10-12 bars.
• Store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free oats.
• Nut-Free Version – Swap pistachios for pumpkin seeds and use sunflower butter.
• Extra Crunchy – Add ½ cup rice crisps or chopped almonds.
• No-Bake Method – Skip toasting the oats and pistachios and just mix everything together before chilling.
• Lower Sugar – Reduce honey to 3 tbsp and increase nut butter slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: No need to reheat—just enjoy straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the bars may have a softer texture. Rolled oats give a chewier consistency.

How do I make these granola bars hold together better?

Press the mixture firmly into the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Adding a bit more honey or nut butter can also help.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, fresh cranberries have too much moisture and won’t work in this recipe.

What’s a good substitute for pistachios?

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds all work well.

Can I skip the coconut oil?

Yes! Just use extra nut butter for binding.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting?

Let the oat mixture cool slightly before adding chocolate chips.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes! Mix in 2 tbsp vanilla or chocolate protein powder for extra protein.

Are these bars vegan?

Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

Can I make these into granola instead of bars?

Yes! Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy, making them an ideal healthy snack, breakfast, or energy boost. Easy to make and full of natural ingredients, these homemade bars will become your go-to for meal prep and on-the-go snacking. Try them today and enjoy a delicious and nutritious treat!