Blueberry Vanilla Greek Yogurt Granola Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade granola bars let you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sugar found in store-bought versions. The combination of oats, nuts, and dried fruit provides lasting energy, while the Greek yogurt coating adds a smooth, tangy finish that’s both delicious and unique. Plus, these bars are gluten-free when using gluten-free oats and rice krispies, making them suitable for many dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granola Bars:

• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 ½ cups brown rice krispies
• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• ¼ cup whole roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter (peanut butter preferred)
• ½ cup honey
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried blueberries

Greek Yogurt Coating:

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon gelatin
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar

directions

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown rice krispies, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, chia seeds, salt, and dried blueberries. Mix well.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter and honey together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly into the pan. Refrigerate while preparing the Greek yogurt coating.
6. To make the Greek yogurt coating, sprinkle the gelatin over water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
7. Warm the gelatin mixture gently until dissolved (you can use a microwave for 10-15 seconds or a double boiler).
8. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Add the dissolved gelatin and stir until smooth and combined.
9. Pour the yogurt coating over the pressed granola mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.
10. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the coating is set.
11. Once firm, cut into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 2+ hours
• Total time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a different nut-free or flavor profile.
• Use other dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries, or raisins instead of blueberries.
• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for extra indulgence.
• Replace shredded coconut with chopped seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• For a vegan option, use agar-agar instead of gelatin and a plant-based yogurt coating.

storage/reheating

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. No reheating is necessary; enjoy them chilled.

FAQs

Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free brown rice krispies.

Can I skip the Greek yogurt coating?

Yes, but the coating adds flavor and a creamy texture that enhances the bars.

What can I substitute for gelatin in the coating?

Agar-agar powder can be used as a vegan alternative, but follow package instructions for setting.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Smooth peanut butter works best for even mixing, but crunchy can be used for extra texture.

How long do these bars keep?

They last about one week refrigerated and up to three months frozen.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried?

Fresh blueberries are too moist and will alter the texture; dried blueberries work best.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, add your favorite protein powder to the dry mix, adjusting the wet ingredients if needed.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, replace nuts with seeds and use a seed butter like sunflower seed butter.

Is honey necessary?

Honey acts as a binder and sweetener; you can substitute with maple syrup but the texture may vary.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, they keep well and are perfect for meal prepping snacks or breakfasts.

Conclusion

Blueberry Vanilla Greek Yogurt Granola Bars are a tasty, nutrient-rich snack that combines wholesome ingredients with a creamy yogurt coating. Easy to make and customizable, they provide lasting energy and satisfy sweet cravings in a healthy way. Perfect for busy days, lunchboxes, or anytime you need a delicious bite on the go.

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