These crunchy muesli bars are the ultimate healthy snack: naturally sweetened, fiber-packed, and rich in plant-based protein and good fats from nuts and seeds.
With a perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures, they stay crunchy for weeks.
Quick to prep and ideal for meal prep or an on-the-go breakfast, they satisfy hunger without added refined sugar.
Crunchy Muesli Bars
Equipment
- 1 × 20 cm (8-inch) square baking pan
- Baking paper
- 1 × large baking tray
- 1 × heatproof mixing bowl
- 1 × microwave-safe jug
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
The Glue:
- 60 g 1/4 cup honey
- 60 g 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
Muesli Mixture:
- 120 g 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 70 g 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 35 g 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 75 g 1/2 cup sultanas
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp small chocolate chips or 3 tbsp regular dark chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (325°F), or 140°C (fan-forced). While the oven warms, line a 20 cm (8-inch) square baking pan with baking paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on two sides—it will make lifting the bars out much easier later. No greasing is necessary because the paper will prevent sticking and keep the bars intact.
- Toast the Oats and Nuts: Place the rolled oats, roughly chopped almonds, and pepitas evenly on a large baking tray. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the oats turn golden and the nuts become fragrant. This step brings out deep, nutty flavors and enhances the crunch. Transfer the toasted mixture to a large, heatproof mixing bowl immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: To the warm toasted oats and nuts, add the sultanas, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gently fold these ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. The sultanas will plump slightly from the residual heat, adding natural sweetness throughout the mixture.
- Prepare the Sticky Glue: In a microwave-safe jug or small saucepan, combine the honey and natural peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds on high, or until just warm enough to pour and stir easily. Mix thoroughly until smooth and glossy. Heating the mixture slightly thins it out, making it much easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the warm honey-peanut butter mixture over the toasted oat mixture. Using a cutting-and-folding motion with a spatula, carefully mix everything together. Initially, it may feel too sticky or thick, but continue folding patiently until every oat, nut, and seed is coated evenly. If the mixture becomes too stiff to mix, reheat briefly in the microwave for 20 seconds and continue mixing.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the fully combined mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using your hands or the back of a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Apply good pressure to ensure the bars will hold their shape and stay compact. If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly on top and cover with a piece of baking paper. Press gently to embed the chocolate into the surface without melting it.
- Initial Chill: Place the pan in the fridge for about 1 hour, or until the mixture has firmed enough to lift out without bending. This chilling step helps the bars set, making them easier to handle for cutting and final baking.
- Pre-Cut the Bars: Once firm, use the overhang of the baking paper to lift the muesli slab onto a cutting board. Cut the slab in half lengthwise, then each half into five bars for a total of 10 bars. Place the cut bars back on the baking tray, spaced slightly apart to allow airflow around each bar during the final baking stage.
- Bake to Crunch: Return the tray of bars to the oven at the same temperature (160°C / 325°F). Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges and top turn a deep golden brown, signaling that the bars have developed their signature crunch. The center may still feel slightly soft, but it will harden as the bars cool. Avoid overbaking, which can make them taste dry.
- Cool and Store: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on the tray. As they cool, they will firm up and achieve that perfect crunchy texture. Once cooled, transfer the bars to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge to stay crunchy for up to three weeks, or at room temperature for up to five days if your environment isn’t too warm or humid.
- Serve and Enjoy: These bars are perfect as a breakfast on-the-go, a pre- or post-workout snack, or a satisfying treat during the day. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a smoothie, and the combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes them both filling and energizing.
Notes
- These muesli bars are versatile and forgiving, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Lightly toasting oats and nuts enhances their nutty flavor and helps the bars stay crunchy longer.
- The honey-peanut butter mixture acts as a natural binder, keeping the bars intact.
- Nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can be swapped according to preference, but at least 3/4 cup of oats is needed for structure.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add extra sweetness and texture.
- Firmly pressing the mixture into the pan and chilling before baking ensures the bars hold their shape and don’t crumble.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Crunch
The secret to these bars staying crunchy lies in the combination of lightly toasted ingredients and pre-baking the cut bars.
Toasting not only enhances flavor but removes excess moisture from oats and nuts, preventing sogginess.
When mixing the sticky honey-peanut butter glue, be patient—fold in gradually and use a cutting motion to coat every piece evenly.
Pressing firmly into the pan is essential for uniform density.
Finally, cutting before the final bake allows each bar to crisp evenly on all sides, giving a satisfying bite that lasts for weeks.
Serving Suggestions To Elevate Snack Time
These muesli bars are versatile and pair well with many options.
Serve them alongside a fresh smoothie for breakfast or with a cup of tea or coffee as an afternoon snack.
They’re also ideal for lunchboxes, pre- or post-workout energy, or even as a light dessert.
For a creative twist, drizzle with a thin layer of dark chocolate or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top.
You can also crumble them over yogurt or smoothie bowls for an added crunch and nutritional boost.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Proper storage ensures these bars remain crunchy and flavorful for weeks. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container.
In warm or humid climates, refrigerating them is recommended; this preserves their texture and prevents any softening.
At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to five days.
If you want to prep ahead, consider freezing individual bars in parchment paper for up to two months.
Thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge for a crisp, satisfying snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter works well as a substitute.
Tahini can be used, but its strong sesame flavor may overpower the bars.
Make sure to use natural nut butters without added sugar or salt for the best texture and flavor.
2. Will honey affect the crunchiness?
Honey is ideal because it acts as a natural binder while keeping the bars slightly chewy.
Maple syrup or agave can be used as alternatives, though the bars may crumble slightly more.
The overall crunch comes from the toasting and baking process.
3. Can I use different nuts or seeds?
Yes! You can customize these bars using any combination of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Maintain at least 3/4 cup of oats for structure.
Experimenting with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts adds variety without compromising texture.
4. How can I make these bars chocolatey?
Add chocolate chips after pressing the mixture into the pan or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars.
Small chocolate chips work best as they blend evenly without melting into the mixture during baking.
5. How long will they stay crunchy?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars stay crunchy for up to three weeks.
At room temperature, in a cool, dry environment, they remain crisp for about five days.
Freezing extends shelf life to two months without losing texture.
