Homemade Grab ‘n’ Go muesli bars

These wholesome muesli bars provide slow-release carbohydrates, healthy fats and plant-based fibre to help sustain energy throughout the day.

Oats, seeds and dried fruit contribute essential minerals including magnesium, zinc and iron, while coconut butter and maple syrup offer a less refined alternative to conventional snack bars. Perfect for lunchboxes, travel or a nourishing snack between meals.

Homemade Grab 'n' Go muesli bars made with rolled oats, coconut, pepitas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, dried apricots and sultanas on a rustic wooden board.

Why you’ll love these Grab ‘n’ Go muesli bars

  • Made with simple, wholefood ingredients.
  • Naturally sweetened with organic maple syrup and coconut sugar.
  • Packed with fibre, healthy fats and plant-based nutrition.
  • Great for lunchboxes, travel and post-exercise snacks.
  • Easy to make ahead and meal prep for the week.
  • Gluten-free when made with rolled quinoa or certified gluten-free oats.
  • No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
  • Freezer-friendly and individually wrapped for convenience.

FAQs

Can I make these muesli bars gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats or substitute rolled quinoa flakes.

How should I store the muesli bars?

Store in a foil-lined airtight container for up to 7 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Can I replace the dried fruit?

Absolutely. Try dried cranberries, dates, figs or chopped raisins depending on your preference.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes. Honey works well, although it will give the bars a slightly firmer texture and a different flavour.

Why do I need to cook the syrup to the soft-ball stage?

Cooking the syrup until it reaches the soft-ball stage helps the bars bind together, creating a chewy texture that holds its shape.

Are these muesli bars suitable for kids?

Yes. They’re a wholesome snack for children and adults alike, providing lasting energy from whole grains, seeds and dried fruit.

Can I add nuts?

Certainly. Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans or macadamias make a delicious addition if nut allergies aren’t a concern.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Yes. They’re ideal for weekly meal prep and make a convenient breakfast or snack to grab on busy mornings.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the coconut sugar slightly, but avoid reducing the maple syrup too much, as it helps bind the bars together.

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Homemade Grab ‘n’ Go Muesli Bars

Recipe by Chef Sam Gowing

  • Total Time35 minutes
  • YieldMakes 16 1x
  • DietVegan

These Grab ‘n’ Go Muesli Bars are made with rolled oats, coconut, pepitas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, dried apricots and sultanas, bound together with coconut butter, maple syrup and coconut sugar. Rich in fibre and healthy fats, they’re perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes and convenient healthy snacking. Recipe by Chef Sam Gowing.

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Homemade Grab 'n' Go muesli bars made with rolled oats, coconut, pepitas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, dried apricots and sultanas on a rustic wooden board.

Ingredients

Units Scale
1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted 1 cup rolled flakes – oats or rolled quinoa (gluten free) 1 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup white sesame seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup pepitas 1 cup sultanas 1 cup dried apricots, diced 125g organic coconut butter 1/2 cup organic maple syrup 1/3 cup coconut sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional) if baking after setting (otherwise no oven is required). Brush a 16 × 28 cm slice tin with melted coconut oil and line with baking paper.
  2. In a large heavy-based frying pan over low heat, dry roast the rolled oats (or rolled quinoa), desiccated coconut and sesame seeds, tossing frequently until lightly golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes.
  3. Transfer the toasted mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir through the sunflower seeds, pepitas, sultanas and diced dried apricots.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt the coconut butter. Add the maple syrup and coconut sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until it reaches a soft caramel consistency. To test, drop a little syrup into iced water—it should form a soft ball.
  6. Pour the hot syrup over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or the base of a measuring cup to create a compact, even layer.
  8. Allow to cool completely until firm, then cut into 16 muesli bars.
  9. Wrap each bar individually in baking paper and tie with kitchen string for grab-and-go snacks, or store in a foil-lined airtight container for up to 7 days.

Notes

These wholesome muesli bars provide slow-release carbohydrates, healthy fats and plant-based fibre to help sustain energy throughout the day.

Oats, seeds and dried fruit contribute essential minerals including magnesium, zinc and iron, while coconut butter and maple syrup offer a less refined alternative to conventional snack bars.

Perfect for lunchboxes, travel or a nourishing snack between meals.


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Pan-seared cobia with seaweed, miso butter, almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, photographed by Nelly le Comte

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