Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (2024)

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by Victoria 16 Comments

Making them is the “easy” part, but how to store homemade granola bars seems somewhat of a mystery. Find out how easy it really is and get my husband and toddler approved tested recipe!

Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (1)

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A friend recently asked about exactly how to replace store bought granola bars with homemade ones. She wasn’t sure how to make them in bulk and store them in a way that kept them fresh.

So, of course, I set out to test a few methods and report back to her!

First, you have to actually make the granola bars. This is a terribly easy recipe that I’ve made for a decade. It’s perfect in taste and texture. Crunchy without being a tooth-breaking hazard… soft without completely falling apart!

It also has the perfect amount of sweetness; enough to be enjoyable, but not so much that eating one first thing in the morning is going to put you over the edge!

They are also completely toddler and husband approved. Win-win!

Get the full recipe at the end of this post and be sure to read my notes on how to wash almonds before use (and why you really need to!).

Once you have the bars cooked, allow them to cool completely. Then cut them into whatever size bars fit your family needs. This recipe makes 24 bars for us.

Cut strips of wax paper large enough to wrap your bars like a Christmas gift. I like to have my seam going along the length with the folds going on the small ends.

Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (2)

In my tests, this method allowed the least amount of air to reach the bars, which kept them fresh longer.

Simply wrap each bar and secure the paper with regular ol’ tape.

Store at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Note: If you live in a particularly humid climate, you might want to store the bars in the freezer until the night before needing them; at which point you can remove them from the freezer and leave them on the counter overnight. Or you can thaw them in batches for a weeks worth of consumption.

Now you can ditch the store bought bars and add this to your homemade items! Plus, it’s a great money saving recipe.

6 store bought organic chocolate chip granola bars cost $3.89, or $0.67 per bar. This recipe yields 24 bars at $0.26 per bar. That’s a 62% savings!

Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (3)

Homemade Granola Bars

5 from 4 votes

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°

  • Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix.

  • Add wet ingredients to dry mix and combine well.

  • On a parchment lined baking sheet, add granola mixture and form into a tight shape about 1 inch thick and the size of your tray.

  • Make sure the sides are as straight as possible, thinner sections of the granola may become overcooked.

  • Bake for 40 minutes.

  • Allow to cool completely, cut into 24 bars, wrap in parchment paper and tape closed for long term storage.

Tried this recipe?Mention @AModHomestead or tag ##amodernhomestead!

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Previous Post: « Six Month Meal Plan

Next Post: How to Wash Almonds Before Use »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (15)PepsiChick says

    What are the calories per bar when the recipe yields 24 bars? Thank you

    Reply

    • Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (16)Tegan Goodridge says

      Do you have a nutritional facts for this recipe?

      Reply

  2. Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (17)Debbie says

    Are these granola bars soft & chewy or churchy?

    Reply

    • Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (18)Debbie says

      Lol, Crunchy!

      Reply

      • Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (19)Victoria says

        Hee hee :-)

        Reply

    • Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (20)Victoria says

      Hi Debbie! These are crunchy! Since we like to store ours long term, I removed as much water as possible. Plus, we just like crunchy granola bars :-)

      If you want them to be softer and chewy, just reduce the cooking time by 15 minutes. Be sure to allow them to cool fully before trying to eat them. If the honey/sugar is still warm the bars don’t hold together.

      I hope that helps!

      Reply

  3. Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (21)Terry says

    I’m making them now, but don’t see what size of pan to use. It will make a difference as to how think they turn out. Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    • Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (22)Victoria Pruett says

      Hey Terry! It doesn’t matter. If you look at the picture that includes the shot of the tray, the granola isn’t all the way up to the edge. Instead, just form an even edge as best you can by pressing it straight with your hand. I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply

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Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars (2024)

FAQs

Storing Bulk Homemade Granola Bars? ›

Once you slice the bars, cover the pan and store it in the fridge, or transfer the bars to an airtight container. I recommend storing them with a sheet of parchment paper between layers so that the bars don't stick together. They'll keep for up to a week in the fridge, but you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

How do you keep homemade granola bars from crumbling? ›

While there are several different sticky ingredients that you can use, we've found that the binding agent that works the best is honey! When added to your homemade granola bars, honey acts as glue that sticks all the pieces together.

Is it cheaper to make your own granola bars? ›

Making your own granola bars can be cheaper than buying pre-packaged ones, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. I often buy old fashioned oats, seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseed in bulk which is cheaper than buying the smaller packages.

Where is the best place to store homemade granola? ›

Choose a clean, dry, and transparent air-tight container like a mason jar, a BPA-free vacuum-seal container, or a Ziploc bag so you can monitor your granola's quality without having to open it. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from ingredients with strong odors like coffee, spices, and onions.

Can you vacuum seal homemade granola? ›

For the longest-lasting granola, I recommend vacuuming sealing to prevent moisture from getting in. Label and date the granola and, place the container or bag in the freezer. For weekly meal prepping freeze granola in smaller containers or freezer bags and just get out what you need for the week.

Do granola bars have a long shelf life? ›

Granola bars usually remain safe to eat for a few months beyond that date if they've been stored properly. To maximize their freshness, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

How do you package homemade granola bars? ›

Cut strips of wax paper large enough to wrap your bars like a Christmas gift. I like to have my seam going along the length with the folds going on the small ends. In my tests, this method allowed the least amount of air to reach the bars, which kept them fresh longer.

Why is my homemade granola not crunchy? ›

Higher temperatures can cause ingredients like nuts, seeds, and coconut to burn before the batch has a chance to properly dry out and crisp up, Perry says. Stick with a low temperature, keep an eye on your mixture, and stir it from time to time to help it brown evenly.

What makes homemade granola stick together? ›

Add an egg white.

The whites act as a kind of glue that binds the ingredients together. To ensure that the egg whites coat all the ingredients, I beat them with a whisk until foamy and increased in volume, which makes it much easier to fold into the granola.

Are granola bars good for bulk? ›

Granola bars are a combo of oats, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds with small amounts of fat and sugar. However, some granola bars also add chocolate, candy pieces, or fudge. These bars may have more calories, sugar, or fat than you realize which can sabotage your muscle-building menu.

Why is Purely Elizabeth so expensive? ›

Due to the continued increase in costs of ingredients and higher transportation across our supply chain, we are increasing costs to retailers and grocery stores. As a result, you can expect to see higher prices. However, each retailer sets pricing at their own discretion so the amount and timing may vary.

How much does the average granola bar cost? ›

The statistic shows the average price per unit of nutrition and snack bars in the United States in 2016, by segment. In that year, the average unit price of granola bars in the U.S. amounted to some 3.12 U.S. dollars.

How should I store homemade granola bars? ›

Once you slice the bars, cover the pan and store it in the fridge, or transfer the bars to an airtight container. I recommend storing them with a sheet of parchment paper between layers so that the bars don't stick together. They'll keep for up to a week in the fridge, but you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

How do you increase the shelf life of granola bars? ›

To keep your granola bars fresh, you must allow the least amount of air possible to reach the bars. Because air (and warmth) can easily cause spoilage, sealing your granola bars in an airtight container or wrapping them in wax paper is a great way to keep them fresh for longer.

Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought? ›

Granola bars are a convenient, flavorful, and portable snack. Still, many prepackaged varieties are high in sugar, calories, and ingredients that may harm your health. Studying ingredient lists carefully or choosing to make your own granola bars can ensure that your snack is both nutritious and delicious.

How long can homemade granola be stored? ›

For the longest shelf life, completely cool the granola on the pan before transferring to a storage container. When stored in an airtight container, this granola will keep for up to a month.

Are homemade granola bars healthier than store bought? ›

Granola bars are a convenient, flavorful, and portable snack. Still, many prepackaged varieties are high in sugar, calories, and ingredients that may harm your health. Studying ingredient lists carefully or choosing to make your own granola bars can ensure that your snack is both nutritious and delicious.

Do granola bars have to be refrigerated? ›

Even though you should refrigerate your granola bars to help them firm up quickly, you do not need to store them in the refrigerator.

How long can homemade energy bars last? ›

Kept dry and tightly wrapped, these energy bars will keep at room temperature for weeks, months even. Just don't let them get too hot in your car or wherever, because they will melt, just like any other energy bar.

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