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. Â
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. Â
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. Â
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.
