Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Introduction

Homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack you can customize to your taste. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost on the go. Plus, making them at home means you control the ingredients and avoid added preservatives.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for a sweeter version)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped almonds.
4. Step 4: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter (or almond butter) until melted and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted mixture over the oats and almonds and mix until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins) and chocolate chips if using.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the dish.
10. Step 10: Lift the granola mixture out using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Press the bars tightly to ensure they hold together well after baking.
• For a softer bar, reduce baking time slightly and watch closely.

Storage

Store cooled granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat slightly before eating if you prefer them softer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats without toasting them first?

Yes, using raw rolled oats works well since they bake in the oven during the cooking process, becoming tender but still chewy.

How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?

Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish before baking and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Using a sticky binder like honey and nut butter also helps hold everything together.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

These homemade granola bars are a delicious and wholesome snack made with rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried fruits, and a natural sweetener blend of honey or maple syrup with peanut or almond butter. Baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or a healthy treat anytime.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (Optional, for a sweeter version)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola bars.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars after baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped almonds thoroughly.
4. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter (or almond butter) until melted and smoothly combined. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted wet mixture over the oats and almonds, stirring well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
6. Add Fruits and Chocolate: Fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins) and chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Press Into Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula to firmly and evenly press the mixture down.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
9. Cool: Remove from oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the dish to firm up.
10. Cut Bars: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola out of the dish. Slice into 12 bars with a sharp knife.

Notes

• You can substitute almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
• Use maple syrup for a vegan alternative to honey.
• Pressing the mixture firmly before baking ensures the bars hold together well.
• Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Adding chocolate chips is optional but adds a delightful sweetness.

Keywords: homemade granola bars, healthy snack, baked granola bars, peanut butter granola, easy granola recipe