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Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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