Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can easily make right in your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a post-workout treat, these bars bring together wholesome ingredients while allowing you to customize them to your taste. You can control the sweetness, add your favorite nuts, or mix in some chocolate for an extra treat.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 180
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 7 grams
• Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This Homemade Granola Bars

Making homemade granola bars is not only easy but also cost-effective. They come with the added benefit of being customizable. You can experiment with various ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Plus, you avoid the preservatives and added sugars often found in store-bought versions. Your kitchen will smell amazing with the warm, nutty aroma as they bake!

How to Make Homemade Granola Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.

Step 3: Cooking

In a small saucepan, mix the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter over low heat. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth, then add the vanilla extract for added flavor. This will create a sweet and sticky binding agent.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to ensure it holds together when baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the granola to cool completely before cutting it into bars.

How to Serve Homemade Granola Bars

These granola bars are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with yogurt or served alongside fresh fruit for a more substantial breakfast or snack. They also make great add-ons to lunch boxes for kids or adults.

How to Store Homemade Granola Bars

Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can wrap them individually and freeze them for up to three months. This makes them a convenient snack option anytime!

Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Granola Bars

1. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They provide better texture compared to quick oats.
2. Don’t Skip the Salt: A little salt enhances the overall flavor.
3. Press Firmly: Ensure that you press the mixture down well into the pan—this helps the bars hold together.
4. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra nutrition, or use different types of nut butters for unique flavors.
5. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven, as all ovens can vary a little in temperature.

Delicious Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter and omit all nuts to make them school-friendly.
• Tropical Granola Bars: Substitute dried mango or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Variants: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate flavor, or mix in chocolate chips when the mixture cools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace honey with sugar or another liquid sweetener?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar, but you will need to adjust the liquid amount accordingly. If using granulated sugar, make a simple syrup by mixing it with a small amount of water.

2. What nuts work best for granola bars?
Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews are all great choices. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

3. How can I make my granola bars chewy rather than crunchy?
Reduce the baking time slightly and use more nut butter or honey to help bind the ingredients together.

4. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits have higher moisture content, which can affect the bars’ texture. It’s best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.

5. What is the best way to cut the bars once cooled?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and cut the bars while they are completely cooled. You can also use a pizza cutter for a smooth, even cut.

Conclusion

There you have it—your guide to making delicious homemade granola bars! These bars are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Perfect for any time of the day, they can be customized to your heart’s content. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own healthy snacks right at home. Happy baking!

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