MY TINY TREAT - SMALL BATCH HEALTHY RECIPES

Healthier Homemade Granola Bars (Small Batch & Kid-Approved)

If you’ve ever flipped over a store-bought granola bar and been shocked by the ingredient list… same. These healthier homemade granola bars are my answer to that problem: simple ingredients, one bowl, small batch, and sturdy enough to actually hold together — without tasting like cardboard. They’re lightly sweetened, packed with fiber and healthy fats, and finished with a thin layer of dark chocolate that makes them feel like a real treat (because balance matters).

12/16/20251 min read

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white concrete building

This recipe makes 8 small bars, perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or quick grab-and-go moments.

Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars

  • Small batch (no overflowing containers or food waste)

  • Naturally sweetened

  • Easy to adapt for nut-free households

  • One bowl + minimal cleanup

  • Soft but sturdy (they won’t crumble everywhere)

Ingredients

Base

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 3 tbsp nut butter or seed butter (for nut-free)

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

Dry Mix

  • 1 cup quick oats

  • ½ cup puffed rice

  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

  • 2 tbsp flaxseeds

Topping

  • 8 small pieces very dark chocolate (one per bar)

Instructions

  1. Add the honey, nut or seed butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe glass bowl.

  2. Microwave for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and fully combined.

  3. Add the oats, puffed rice, chopped nuts, and flaxseeds. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

  4. Line a 5x7-inch pan with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the pan.

  5. Press down firmly — this step is key for bars that actually stay together.

  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

  7. Once baked, immediately place one piece of dark chocolate on each bar section.

  8. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let sit for 10 minutes until the chocolate melts.

  9. Remove foil and gently spread the melted chocolate to the edges.

  10. Lightly score the bars into 8 squares (this makes cutting easier later).

  11. Let cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge to firm up completely.

  12. Once set, cut fully and enjoy!

Nutrition Estimates (Per Granola Bar)

(Makes 8 bars total — values are approximate)

Per 1 bar:

  • Calories: ~160 kcal

  • Fat: ~9 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~17 g

  • Fiber: ~3 g

  • Protein: ~4 g

  • Added sugar: moderate (naturally from honey & dark chocolate)

For Kids (Ages 2–6)

One bar provides:

  • Healthy fats for energy and brain development

  • Fiber from oats and flaxseeds

  • A balanced mix of carbs + protein for sustained energy

These bars work well as:

  • A lunchbox addition

  • An after-school snack

  • A pre-activity energy boost

For younger toddlers, you can cut the bars into smaller portions.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days

  • Can also be frozen and thawed as needed

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