Skip to content

OUT NOW: Bored of Lunch 12 Week Meal Planner 📝

BUY NOW
Cranberry and Pumpkin Seed Granola Bar

Jump to recipe

Cranberry and Pumpkin Seed Granola Bar

I love a granola bar and the ones you can buy are so expensive, so I started making them myself. These are great, easy to prep and store. Just grab one and go!

SERVES

16

CALORIES

197

DIFFICULTY

simple

Are cranberry and pumpkin seed granola bars healthy?

 

Yes — especially when they’re homemade. Cranberry and pumpkin seed granola bars are packed with fibre, healthy fats and plant-based protein from the oats and seeds. Making them yourself means you can keep added sugar lower than most shop-bought bars.

 

 

Are pumpkin seeds healthy?

 

Absolutely. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fibre, magnesium and zinc, all of which help support energy levels and overall health. They’re also brilliant for keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

 

 

Are dried cranberries good for you?

 

Dried cranberries contain fibre and antioxidants, but they can be higher in sugar. Using them in moderation — or choosing reduced-sugar cranberries — makes them a great addition to granola bars without overdoing it.

 

 

Are homemade granola bars healthier than shop-bought?

 

In most cases, yes. Homemade granola bars usually contain fewer processed ingredients and much less sugar than shop-bought versions. You also know exactly what’s going into them.

 

 

How do you stop granola bars from falling apart?

 

The key is using the right binding ingredients. Honey, maple syrup, nut butter or coconut oil all help hold everything together. Make sure you press the mixture firmly into the tin and let it fully set before slicing.

 

 

Do granola bars need to be baked?

 

Not always. Some granola bars are no-bake, while others are baked briefly to help them firm up and add a bit more texture. Both work well — it really comes down to personal preference.

 

 

Are cranberry granola bars good for breakfast?

 

Yes, they’re ideal for a quick breakfast on the go. The oats provide slow-release energy, while the pumpkin seeds add protein and healthy fats to keep you going until lunchtime.

 

 

How long do homemade granola bars last?

 

Homemade granola bars will keep for up to 7 days in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll last closer to 2 weeks.

 

 

Can you freeze granola bars?

 

Yes — granola bars freeze really well. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.

 

 

Are pumpkin seed granola bars good for meal prep?

 

Definitely. These granola bars are perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes or mid-afternoon snacks as they’re easy to store, portable and filling.

 

 

Are these granola bars suitable for vegetarians?

 

Yes, these cranberry and pumpkin seed granola bars are vegetarian-friendly. They can also be made vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup.

 

 

Are granola bars good for weight loss?

 

Granola bars can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. Choosing homemade bars made with whole ingredients and lower added sugar makes them a better option than many shop-bought alternatives.

 

 

Are pumpkin seed granola bars suitable for kids?

 

Yes — these granola bars are a great option for kids’ lunchboxes. They’re filling, naturally sweet and made with simple ingredients.

@boredoflunch

Nut, Cranberry and Pumpkin Seed Granola Bar (197 cals a bar, makes 16-18) I love a granola bar and the ones you can buy arent the healthiest, and expensive, so I started making them myself. These are great, easy to prep and store. Just prep and go! Ingredients: – 100g half-fat butter, softened, plus extra for greasing – 75g brown sugar – 200g porridge oats – 100g chopped nuts – 50g cranberries – 75g pumpkin seeds – 4 tbsp runny honey – 50g peanut butter – 1 tsp ground cinnamon – pinch of salt Method 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan. Grease and line a square brownie tin (around 22cm). 2. Melt the butter in the microwave for 1 minute then mix with the sugar in the same bowl, then add to the the oats. Once mixed well, add in the remaining ingredients and mix until fully combined. 3. Transfer the mixture to the tin and use the back of a spoon to press it down until smooth on top. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely in the tin before removing and cutting into 16–18 bars. PS – Store in an airtight container and grab my meal planner book #boredoflunch #granolabars #granola #healthy #healthyrecipes

♬ original sound – Bored of Lunch

Method

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan. Grease and line a square brownie tin (around 22cm).

Step 2

Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth, then carefully stir through the oats. Once mixed well, add in the remaining ingredients and mix until fully combined.

Step 3

Transfer the mixture to the tin and use the back of a spoon to press it down until smooth on top.

Step 4

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely in the tin before removing and cutting into 16–18 bars.

Step 5

PS – Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. 

Ingredients

100g half-fat butter, softened, plus extra for greasing  

75g light muscovado sugar 

200g porridge oats 

100g chopped nuts (I like pecans) 

50g cranberries 

75g pumpkin seeds 

4 tbsp runny honey 

50g nut butter (I use peanut or cashew) 

1 tsp ground cinnamon 

pinch of salt 

HOW TO

Helpful hints and tips for cooking up a storm

Join the newsletter

Subscribe to the BoL newsletter for exclusive recipes, exciting competitions, and much more!