It’s funny that I don’t see more recipes like this – granola bars that are actually made with granola! This is a great way to use up a box or batch, or simply to enjoy a different snack. And the taste of these easy leftover granola bars has delicious depth since the granola is pre-toasted.
Easy Leftover Granola Bars to Use Up Pantry Goods
We originally posted this recipe for dairy-free leftover granola bars back in 2007. It’s adapted from a publication called 7 days, 7 ways by the The National Honey Board. I’ve since updated the recipe with more options and easier to follow instructions. And I have a few additional notes and options to share.
- Butter Alternatives: You can use any dairy-free buttery spread or sticks, most brands should work just fine. I lean toward saltier ones, like Country Crock, for a little more flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute oil. The bars will be just a little less buttery in taste.
- Add Ins: The sky is the limit here. You can add dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries, apples, blueberries, cherries, apricots, etc. If using nuts or seeds, go for sliced almonds, chopped nuts, or whole seeds. If you want to keep your leftover granola bars simple, you can just add more granola – using 4 1/4 cups total. Some granolas already have plenty of add ins!
- Granola: You can mix and match granolas, use homemade or go with store bought. I just recommend putting the granola in a plastic bag and crushing it. This makes the pieces smaller to create more cohesive bars.
Photo by Wavebreak Media
Special Diet Notes: Leftover Granola Bars
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, optionally gluten-free, optionally nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.
For egg-free and vegan leftover granola bars, I recommend substituting 1/3 cup aquafaba. See our Egg Substitute Guide for additional options.
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup dairy-free buttery spread, melted
- 3 egg whites (see post above for egg-free options)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
- 3½ cups dairy-free granola, crushed
- ¾ cup chopped dried fruit, nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips or other add-ins of choice
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, buttery spread, egg whites, cinnamon, and extract.
- Add the granola and add-ins, and stir until well coated.
- Firmly and evenly press the mixture into your prepared pan. If it's too sticky, use a small piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to press it in.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Place the pan on a cooling rack and let cool completely.
- Lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut into thirds one way, and fourths the other way to make 12 bars.
More Delicious Recipes Using Granola
Easy Granola Apple Crisp
Chocolate Granola Clusters
Healthy Vegan Granola Cookies
2 Comments
This worked great for using up excess granola. The kids loved it and didn’t even notice the sesame seeds I had in there 🙂
So glad you all enjoyed the recipe Brooke! Thanks for the feedback.