Looking for a nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth? These homemade granola bars are not only easy to make, but they are also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy days, these bars can be customized with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a tasty snack on-the-go!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
– 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
– 1/4 cup seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or coconut flakes
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 granola bars. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 granola bar) contains approximately 180 calories, 8g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, and 12g fat. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts.
4. In a small saucepan, heat honey and nut butter until melted.
5. Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture.
6. Pour the melted mixture over the oats and nuts.
7. Stir in dried fruits and seeds until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Press down firmly to create an even layer.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Let cool, then cut into bars.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan option, or replace mixed nuts with your preferred nut variety. You can also use any nut butter you have on hand.
Serving and Pairings
These granola bars are delicious on their own or served with yogurt and fresh fruit. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough can result in crumbly bars.
- Baking for too long can make them hard; keep an eye on them.
- Using too much liquid can make the bars soggy.
- Skipping the salt can dull the flavor.
- Not letting them cool completely before cutting can lead to uneven bars.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different nuts and seeds for variety.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- For chewy bars, add more honey or nut butter.
FAQs
Can I make granola bars without nuts?
Yes, you can make nut-free granola bars by substituting nuts with more seeds or oats. You can also use puffed rice or quinoa for added crunch.
How can I make these granola bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free granola bars, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding protein powder can enhance the nutritional profile. Just replace a portion of the oats with your desired protein powder.
How do I know when the granola bars are done baking?
The granola bars are done when they are golden brown on the edges. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft right out of the oven.
Can I use fresh fruit in the bars?
It’s best to use dried fruits as fresh fruit can add moisture and make the bars soggy. If using fresh fruit, reduce the amount of liquid ingredients.
Conclusion
These homemade granola bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy snack that you can customize to your taste. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a delicious treat ready for any time of day. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying!
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts almonds, walnuts, cashews
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or sunflower
- 1/2 cup dried fruits raisins, cranberries, apricots
- 1/4 cup seeds chia, flax, pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and nut butter until melted.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture.
- Pour the melted mixture over the oats and nuts.
- Stir in dried fruits and seeds until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Press down firmly to create an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then cut into bars.
