Posted on by Pedro R.

Homemade Granola Bars – Almonds – Walnuts – Honey – Olive Oil – Orange Zest

🍯 Conscious Treats

Homemade Granola Bars Almonds – Walnuts – Honey – Olive Oil – Orange Zest

These homemade granola bars are rustic, dense and satisfying – with a Mediterranean twist: olive oil and orange zest.

Homemade granola bars with almonds walnuts honey olive oil and orange zest

Season: All year round – ideal as an energising snack, especially late winter / early spring.

Ingredients (8 bars)

  • 220 g rolled oats
  • 80 g whole almonds
  • 60 g chopped walnuts
  • 40 g sunflower seeds
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Finely grated zest of 1 organic, untreated orange (or 1 organic, untreated lemon)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Sweeter option: add 1 extra tbsp honey to taste, or a few 85% dark chocolate chunks once cooled.

Preparation

  1. Lightly chop the almonds and walnuts.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients.
  3. Stir in the mashed banana, honey, olive oil and orange zest (or lemon zest).
  4. Press the mixture firmly into a lined square baking tin.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 170°C.
  6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Crispy homemade granola bars texture with almonds walnuts olive oil and orange zest

Why it makes sense

  • Rolled oats: soluble fibre (beta-glucans)
  • Almonds & walnuts: healthy fats and vitamin E
  • Seeds: mineral density
  • Banana: natural binder, helps limit added sugar
  • Olive oil: Mediterranean signature, quality lipids
  • Orange/lemon zest: fresh aromatic note, perfect for seasonal transition

Storage

Keep these homemade granola bars for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature, away from humidity. For a firmer texture, store them in the fridge. They also freeze very well – simply take them out 15 minutes before eating.

Variations

  • Lemon version: swap orange zest for organic, untreated lemon zest for a brighter note.
  • Dark chocolate version: add a few 85% dark chocolate chunks once the bars are fully cooled.
  • Extra crunchy: bake 5 minutes longer and press the mixture firmly before baking.

When to eat these homemade granola bars

Perfect for breakfast with plain yoghurt, as a pre-walk snack, or after light movement. With fibre from oats and flaxseed, healthy fats from almonds and olive oil, they deliver steadier energy without a sharp spike – a simple, satisfying option for active days.

A dense, readable, satisfying snack – with a citrus note that changes everything. Minimally processed, flexible, and true to a conscious treat without rigidity.