In “The Hiker’s Kitchen,” a good trail snack needs to do three jobs: it has to be packable, it has to provide a real energy boost, and it has to be something you actually want to eat when you stop for a breather.
These homemade granola bars are my answer to all three.
They are, quite simply, the perfect pocket-sized fuel. I’ve relied on these for years, from long-haul days in the Dales to quick afternoon climbs.
They are “packed with nuts, fruits and sugars” which means you get a fantastic, fast-acting energy boost to see you through a tough section of the trail.
But the real beauty of this recipe is its practicality—it’s built for hikers.
The “scrummy” part is that you can “use pretty much any combination of dried fruits/nuts and seeds to suit your tastes”. For me, that means I can clear out the cupboards and create a new batch every time.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I always add the handful of crunchy cereal (like branflakes) mentioned in the recipe. It’s a small step that gives them a fantastic crunch and texture that you just don’t get with shop-bought bars.
They are simple to make, they store well in a bag for a backpacking journey, and they don’t crumble the second you put them in your rucksack. This is the definition of a no-fuss, packable snack.
You will need:
14 x 8 inch approx deep tray
Scrummy Homemade Granola Bars
A simple, packable homemade granola bar recipe perfect for a nutritious boost. Packed with nuts, fruits, and oats for an energy-boosting trail snack.
8
servings15
minutes15
minutes290
kcalIngredients
350 g oats
A handful of crunchy cerial. ie branflakes
2 tsp cinnamon
140 g butter
160 g honey
100 g light brown soft sugar
50 g sesame seeds
50 g dried cranberries
50 g mixed nuts, chopped
30 g pumpkin seeds
Directions
- Grease and line the baking tray and heat the oven to 180c (350F)
- Heat the butter, honey and sugar in saucepan gently until all melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Measure out the oats in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the handful of cerial, crushing slightly. This gives the granola a bit more crunch.
- Mix in the dried fruit and nuts and cinnamon.
- Pour the melted butter mix and stir until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour into the tray and press in flattening off the top.
- Bake at 180c (350f) for 15-20 mins or until the granola is golden.
