Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious snack option? These homemade granola bars are the answer! Packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go or a mid-afternoon boost. Easy to customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits, these bars are not only tasty but also healthy. Let’s dive into the recipe that will transform your snack time!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
– 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 granola bars. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 granola bar) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 4g
– Fat: 7g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
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 chopped nuts.
4. In a small saucepan, heat honey and nut butter over low heat until melted.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
6. Pour the mixture over the oats and nuts, mixing well.
7. Add dried fruits and combine thoroughly.
8. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
9. Press down firmly to pack the mixture.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize your granola bars by substituting honey with agave syrup or brown sugar. You can also replace the nut butter with sun butter for a nut-free version. Adding coconut flakes or chia seeds can enhance flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
These granola bars can be enjoyed as a quick snack on their own or paired with yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or post-workout refueling.
Storage and Reheating
Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen; simply wrap them individually and thaw as needed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pressing the mixture down firmly enough can lead to crumbly bars.
- Skipping the parchment paper might make it difficult to remove the bars.
- Overbaking can cause the bars to become too hard.
- Using too much liquid can make them sticky and hard to cut.
- Not allowing them to cool completely before cutting may result in uneven pieces.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different nuts and seeds for added flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for cleaner edges.
- Try adding dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Store in individual wraps for easy grab-and-go snacks.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be different. Rolled oats provide a chewier consistency, while quick oats will yield a softer bar.
How do I make these bars vegan?
You can easily make these bars vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup and using a plant-based nut butter.
What nuts work best for granola bars?
Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are excellent choices, but feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand.
Can I add chocolate to these bars?
Absolutely! Adding dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs can enhance the flavor and provide a delightful treat.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they can overbake quickly.
Conclusion
Making your own granola bars at home is not only simple but also rewarding. With endless customization options, you can create the perfect snack that suits your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy a wholesome treat that fuels your day!
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or cashew
- 1/2 cup dried fruits raisins, cranberries, or apricots
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon 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 chopped nuts.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and nut butter over low heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the oats and nuts, mixing well.
- Add dried fruits and combine thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Press down firmly to pack the mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.