Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. DIY Snack Bars

DIY Snack Bars

August 05, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
Satisfy cravings with healthy treats made from wholesome grains, nuts, and fruit.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Build A Healthier Bar

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Chewy and filling, our homemade recipes are perfectly convenient for those on-the-go. Treat yourself to a nutritional snack with less sugar and artificial sweeteners than storebought alternatives. After one bite, you'll forget your grocery's snack bar aisle even exists. 

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bars

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bars

What combination is more heavenly than chocolate and peanut butter? Absolutely nothing! These homemade bars unite the two to make a tasty after-school treat. 

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pistachio-Apple Bars with Chia Seeds

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pistachio-Apple Bars with Chia Seeds

This flavorful snack bar is loaded with cashew butter, roasted pistachios, dried apples, and dried cranberries.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkinseed, Date, and Tahini Bars

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pumpkinseed, Date, and Tahini Bars

When you're on the run, battle hunger pangs with an easy-to-make and satisfying snack.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coconut, Almond, and Goji Bars

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Coconut, Almond, and Goji Bars

With tasty tones of the tropics, this staff-favorite snack bar makes for the perfect grab-and-go snack.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sunflower, Strawberry, and Butterscotch Bars

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sunflower, Strawberry, and Butterscotch Bars

Quick and easy to prepare, these treats make excellent after-school snacks.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole-Grain Breakfast Bars

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Whole-Grain Breakfast Bars

This versatile recipe can be doubled for a large crowd. A large bowl can hold a double batch of the dough, and the hearty mix will perform just fine. Bake bars on the same (middle) rack in the oven. The bars can be a little crumbly, so wrap them individually and pack with plenty of padding to transport or ship overnight.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

These bars are a perfectly portable snack you can prep on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. The bars will continue to firm up as they chill.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maple-Pecan Bars

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Maple-Pecan Bars
Reminiscent of pecan pie, gluten-free Maple-Pecan Bars deserve a spot at your dessert buffet. Use pure maple syrup to form the gooey brown sugar and pecan mixture needed to make these heavenly bars.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars

These bars fit snugly into snack-size zip-top plastic bags but also divide easily into squares. Store in an airtight container up to three days.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars
Toasting the oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed adds a rich, nutty taste to these granola bars. A much healthier and gluten-free alternative to store-bought bars, these homemade treats are a wonderful addition to any lunch box. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Wrap individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a nice touch.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Espresso Toffee

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Espresso Toffee Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir 1 tablespoon espresso powder into melted butter before adding marshmallows. Add 1 cup toffee bits and cereal; toss well to combine. Press into prepared pan.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

S'mores Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: S'mores Chewy Crispy Bars

Char marshmallows under broiler for 2 minutes before melting. Stir ½ cup graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup semisweet chocolate minichips into melted marshmallows before adding cereal; toss well to combine. Press cereal mixture into prepared pan.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Butterscotch Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Butterscotch Chewy Crispy Bars

Press cereal mixture into pan. Microwave 1 cup chocolate chips for 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds. Spread over cereal mixture. Microwave ½ cup butterscotch chips and 2 teaspoons fat-free milk 30 seconds; stir once. Dollop butterscotch mixture over chocolate; swirl with a knife. Chill.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Browned Butter Pecan Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Browned Butter Pecan Chewy Crispy Bars

Before adding marshmallows, cook melted butter 3 minutes or until browned. Add ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to melted marshmallows; stir well. Add cereal; toss well to combine. Press into prepared pan; sprinkle evenly with ½ cup chopped toasted pecans.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candy Corn M&M's

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Candy Corn M&M's Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir 2/3 cup candy corn, ½ cup M&M's, and cereal into melted marshmallows. Press into prepared pan.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Double Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Double Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa into melted marshmallows; cook 3 minutes. Add cereal; toss well to combine. Press cereal mixture into prepared pan. Heat 4 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in microwave at HIGH 45 seconds or until melted, stirring every 15 seconds; drizzle over cereal mixture. Chill 10 minutes before slicing.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon White Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Lemon White Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind into melted marshmallows before adding cereal. Press cereal mixture into prepared pan. Heat 4 ounces chopped premium white chocolate in microwave at HIGH 1½ minutes or until melted, stirring every 20 seconds; drizzle over cereal mixture. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before slicing.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cherry Chip Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Cherry Chip Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir 1 cup finely chopped dried cherries and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract into melted marshmallow mixture. Add cereal, and toss well to combine. Press cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle mixture evenly with 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate minichips.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maple Bacon Chewy Crispy Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Maple Bacon Chewy Crispy Bars

Stir 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 4 cooked, drained, chopped applewood-smoked bacon slices into melted marshmallows. Add cereal, and toss well to combine. Press mixture into prepared pan.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Featuring pretzels, marshmallows, peanut butter, almonds, and even a little hint of chocolate, is there any snack attack this bar can't beat?

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Satisfy the whole family's chocolate cravings with these delicous fudgy oatmeal bars.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salty-Sweet Pine Nut Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Salty-Sweet Pine Nut Bars

These bars are sweet, salty, and nutty—the perfect craving buster. Pine nuts can be expensive; pecans are a less pricey but equally delicious alternative.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond-Date Bars

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Almond-Date Bars

Marcona almonds are blanched and roasted—you won't need to toast them. You can also substitute regular whole almonds. For the best texture, use whole pitted dates, not chopped; you need the sticky texture of the whole fruit.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

These are a go-anywhere, do-anything snack, plus they're simple to make!

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Build A Healthier Bar
    2 of 25 Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bars
    3 of 25 Pistachio-Apple Bars with Chia Seeds
    4 of 25 Pumpkinseed, Date, and Tahini Bars
    5 of 25 Coconut, Almond, and Goji Bars
    6 of 25 Sunflower, Strawberry, and Butterscotch Bars
    7 of 25 Whole-Grain Breakfast Bars
    8 of 25 No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars
    9 of 25 Maple-Pecan Bars
    10 of 25 Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars
    11 of 25 Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars
    12 of 25 Espresso Toffee
    13 of 25 S'mores Chewy Crispy Bars
    14 of 25 Chocolate Butterscotch Chewy Crispy Bars
    15 of 25 Browned Butter Pecan Chewy Crispy Bars
    16 of 25 Candy Corn M&M's
    17 of 25 Double Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars
    18 of 25 Lemon White Chocolate Chewy Crispy Bars
    19 of 25 Cherry Chip Chewy Crispy Bars
    20 of 25 Maple Bacon Chewy Crispy Bars
    21 of 25 Peanut-Almond Snack Bars
    22 of 25 Fudgy Oatmeal Bars
    23 of 25 Salty-Sweet Pine Nut Bars
    24 of 25 Almond-Date Bars
    25 of 25 Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    DIY Snack Bars
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.