These homemade granola bars are a perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, making them an ideal snack for any time of day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit, these bars are both nutritious and satisfying.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 grams) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 1/3 cup (80 grams) almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, almond butter (or peanut butter), and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine and Mix:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the oats and nuts are well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.
- Cut and Serve:
- Cut into bars of your desired size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go.
- Pair with a cup of yogurt or a piece of fruit for a balanced snack.
- Perfect for packing in lunchboxes for a healthy treat.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before mixing with the wet ingredients.
- Customize your granola bars by adding seeds, such as chia or flax, for added nutrition.
- If you prefer softer bars, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oats: Rich in fiber and essential minerals.
- Nuts: Provide healthy fats and protein.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: Individually wrap bars and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Wholesome: Made with nutritious ingredients that are good for you.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to your taste preferences with different add-ins.
- Convenient: A perfect make-ahead snack that’s easy to grab and go.
Conclusion:
These homemade granola bars are a delightful and nutritious treat that you can enjoy anytime. With their perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures, and the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them as a snack, a quick breakfast, or a tasty addition to your lunchbox!