Looking for a nutritious snack that’s easy to make? These homemade granola bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your energy levels high, they are customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or just need a quick pick-me-up, these granola bars are the ideal solution!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
– 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or seeds
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 bars. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately 200 calories, 8g protein, 10g fat, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber. Note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, and salt.
4. In a small saucepan, heat honey and peanut butter over low heat until melted.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.
6. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
7. Fold in dried fruits and optional ingredients like chocolate chips.
8. Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. You can also use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
Serving and Pairings
These granola bars are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a smoothie for a complete meal or snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness. Freezing is an option; just wrap them individually and thaw at room temperature when needed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough can lead to crumbly bars.
- Overbaking will make them too hard; keep an eye on them.
- Using too much liquid can make bars sticky.
- Skipping the salt can diminish flavor.
- Not allowing them to cool fully can affect texture.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits for variety.
- For extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts before mixing.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into bars for clean edges.
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for more flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats to make these granola bars gluten-free. Be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content as well.
How long do these granola bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to a week at room temperature or even longer in the refrigerator.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat mixture for an extra protein boost.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes for honey if you prefer a vegan option.
Can I make these bars without baking?
Yes, you can create no-bake granola bars by simply mixing the ingredients and refrigerating them until set.
Conclusion
Making your own granola bars at home is a simple and rewarding task. With this easy recipe, you can customize flavors, control ingredients, and enjoy a delicious snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for any time of day!
Granola Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts almonds, walnuts, or peanuts
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup dried fruits raisins, cranberries, or apricots
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and peanut butter over low heat until melted.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well coated.
- Fold in dried fruits and optional ingredients.
- Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
