Mary Berry Fruity Granola Bars

Mary Berry Fruity Granola Bars

These nearly ended up as granola crumbles the first time I made them.

To be honest, I thought, โ€œOh, granola barsโ€”how hard can it be?โ€ Famous last words. I overbaked them, didnโ€™t press the mix down enough, and ended up with a tray of sweet rubble. Not the worst snack in the world, but hardly a bar.

But once I actually paid attention to the texture, the baking time, and the press-it-down-like-you-mean-it step, they turned out gorgeous: chewy, a little crunchy on the edges, and studded with tangy fruit in every bite.

If you want granola bars that actually hold together, arenโ€™t sickly sweet, and taste like something youโ€™d happily sneak into your lunchbox, let me show you how I fixed that.

Why This One Works So Well

Most granola bars either fall apart or turn to bricksโ€”thereโ€™s not much middle ground.

But this Mary Berry recipe walks the line beautifully. The light muscovado sugar gives a richer depth than plain white sugar, and the honey keeps it chewy without making it sticky. Toasting the oats and seeds first? Total game-changer. It brings out this warm, nutty flavour that plain granola bars just donโ€™t have.

What surprised me most? A tiny pinch of salt at the end. Optional in the recipe, but do not skip it. It pulls the sweetness into balance and makes everything pop.

INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats (150g) โ€“ The backbone. I once tried with quick oatsโ€”big mistake. They turned out dense and sad.
  • Pumpkin seeds (30g) โ€“ For crunch. They toast up beautifully and add earthy depth.
  • Sesame seeds (30g) โ€“ Add a nutty, toasty vibe. Optional, but lovely.
  • Salted butter (115g) โ€“ Salted is best here. If youโ€™re using unsalted, add a full pinch of sea salt.
  • Honey (2 tbsp) โ€“ Adds chewiness and helps the bars hold together.
  • Light muscovado sugar (115g) โ€“ Richer than white sugar, almost toffee-like. Makes the flavour more โ€œbakeโ€ than โ€œbreakfast cereal.โ€
  • Cranberries (55g) โ€“ For tang. I tried dried cherries onceโ€”also fab.
  • Golden raisins (55g) โ€“ Soft, sweet, and mellow. Sultanas work too.
  • Sea salt (optional but essential) โ€“ Just a pinch brings everything alive.

Want To Change It Up

These bars are flexible, but not indestructibleโ€”ask me how I know.

  • Fruit swaps: Dried apricots, cherries, or chopped dates all work. Avoid freeze-driedโ€”too brittle.
  • Seed swaps: Chia seeds make them crunchier (and a bit drier), sunflower seeds are fab.
  • Butter-free: I tested with coconut oil. It worked, but the bars were a bit looser and tasted… well, of coconut.
  • Gluten-free: Use certified GF oats. Thatโ€™s the only change needed.

MISTAKES Iโ€™VE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

What Went WrongWhy It HappensHow to Fix It
Bars crumbled on slicingDidnโ€™t press mixture down enoughReally press it into the tinโ€”use a spatula or mug bottom
Burnt edgesOverbaked by just 5 minutesPull them when theyโ€™re pale goldenโ€”not brown
Too sweetUsed dark brown sugar insteadStick with light muscovado for balance

HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโ€™S FRUITY GRANOLA BARS

  1. Toast the dry bits: Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Spread oats, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds on a tray. Toast for 10โ€“15 mins until lightly golden and nutty-smelling. Let cool.
  2. Melt and mix: In a saucepan, melt butter, honey, and sugar over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add toasted oats/seeds and dried fruit. Mix well. Add a pinch of sea salt (youโ€™ll thank me).
  3. Press and bake: Line and grease an 8-inch square tin. Spoon mixture in and press down firmly. Really pack it in. Bake for 25 minutes until set and just golden.
  4. Cool and slice: Let cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Then turn out and slice into bars while still a bit warmโ€”donโ€™t wait too long or theyโ€™ll set hard. Let cool completely on a rack.
Mary Berry Fruity Granola Bars
Mary Berry Fruity Granola Bars

TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN

  • I use a metal spatula to press the mix downโ€”works better than fingers.
  • My oven runs hot, so I bake for 23 minutes and check the edges.
  • Add dried fruit after melting the butter/sugarโ€”keeps them plump.
  • Toast your oats properlyโ€”raw oats = bland bars.

STORAGE + SERVING

  • Room temp: Airtight container, up to 1 week. They get a little firmer over time.
  • Freezer: Wrap bars individually. Freeze up to 2 months. Defrost on the counter.
  • To serve: Great with coffee, tea, or tucked in a lunchbox. I often pack one for dog walks.

FAQs โ€“ Real Query Answers

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled?
A: I tried it onceโ€”donโ€™t recommend. The texture gets gummy and weird.

Q: Can I make these without sugar?
A: I tested a honey-only version. They were looser and less caramelised, but still tasty. Add a little more honey (about 3 tbsp) and bake 3 minutes longer.

Q: Are these healthy?
A: Depends on your bar. Theyโ€™re made with whole oats, seeds, and dried fruitโ€”so yes-ish. They are sweetened though, so more snack than health food.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Use a 9×13 inch tin. Bake for 30โ€“35 minutes.

Q: Do they hold up in lunchboxes?
A: Totally. Just wrap in parchment or pop in a snack tinโ€”they travel well.

Try More Recipes:

Mary Berry Fruity Granola Bars

Course: DessertsCuisine: UK
Servings

12

Bars
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

180

kcal

Chewy, golden granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and fruitโ€”perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

  • 150g (1โ…” cups) old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 30g (ยผ cup) pumpkin seeds

  • 30g (ยผ cup) sesame seeds

  • 115g (ยฝ cup) salted butter

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 115g (ยฝ cup + 2 tbsp) light muscovado sugar

  • 55g (ยฝ cup) cranberries, chopped

  • 55g (โ…“ cup) golden raisins

  • A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Toast oats, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds on a tray for 10โ€“15 mins until golden. Cool.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter, honey, and sugar over low heat until smooth. Stir in oats/seeds and dried fruit. Add salt if using.
  • Grease and line an 8-inch square tin. Press mixture firmly into tin.
  • Bake for 25 mins until set and pale golden.
  • Cool in tin for 15 mins, then slice into 12 bars. Cool fully on wire rack.

Notes

  • I use a metal spatula to press the mix downโ€”works better than fingers.
  • My oven runs hot, so I bake for 23 minutes and check the edges.
  • Add dried fruit after melting the butter/sugarโ€”keeps them plump.
  • Toast your oats properlyโ€”raw oats = bland bars.
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