Are you looking for a nutritious snack that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than these homemade granola bars! Packed with oats, nuts, and your favorite fruits, they are perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday energy boost. This recipe allows you to customize your bars according to your taste, ensuring a wholesome treat that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
– 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins)
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 granola bars. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 granola bar) contains approximately 180 calories, 7g protein, 9g fat, 22g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber. This breakdown is based on one homemade bar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts.
4. In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey and nut butter until melted.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and salt to the honey mixture.
6. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Fold in dried fruits and chocolate chips.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
9. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this recipe by substituting the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Additionally, use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Feel free to mix and match dried fruits to suit your taste!
Serving and Pairings
These granola bars pair wonderfully with yogurt for a wholesome breakfast or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit smoothie. They also make great travel snacks when you’re on the go!
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 shelf life. For freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture firmly enough can lead to crumbly bars.
- Overbaking can result in hard, dry bars.
- Using too much sweetener can make them overly sticky.
- Not allowing them to cool fully before cutting can cause them to fall apart.
- Skipping the parchment paper can lead to sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different nut butters for unique flavors.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Keep dried fruit sizes consistent for even distribution.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars evenly.
- Let the bars cool completely for better texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats and ensure any additional ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long do these granola bars last?
When stored properly, they can last up to a week at room temperature and even longer if refrigerated.
Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely! Adding a scoop of protein powder will enhance the nutritional content without altering the flavor significantly.
Are these granola bars suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a healthy snack option for children and can be cut into smaller pieces for portion control.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Definitely! You can replace nuts with seeds or additional dried fruits to keep the texture and flavor delicious.
Conclusion
Homemade granola bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy snack while controlling the ingredients. With endless variations, they’re easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and savor the wholesome goodness in every bite!
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts walnuts, almonds, pecans
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter peanut or almond
- 1/2 cup dried fruits cranberries, raisins
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey and nut butter until melted.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt to the honey mixture.
- Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
- Fold in dried fruits and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
