Homemade granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack that you can easily make at home. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make homemade granola bars that are chewy, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these tasty bars to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients for Homemade Granola Bars
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Homemade Granola Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares.
Step 8: Store
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
About the Main Ingredients
Oats
Oats are the base of this granola bar recipe and provide a hearty texture and nutty flavor. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your snack.
Nuts
Chopped nuts add crunch and protein to the granola bars. They are also rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great energy-boosting ingredient.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit adds natural sweetness and chewiness to the granola bars. They are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy alternative to refined sugars.
Honey and Maple Syrup
Honey and maple syrup act as natural sweeteners in this recipe. They also help bind the ingredients together and add a rich flavor to the bars.
Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
Almond butter or peanut butter adds richness and creaminess to the granola bars. They also provide healthy fats and protein, making the bars more satisfying and nutritious.
Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, and Salt
These ingredients add flavor and depth to the granola bars. Vanilla extract adds sweetness, cinnamon adds warmth, and salt enhances the other flavors.
Conclusion
Homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can easily make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create chewy, flavorful bars that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Try this recipe and customize it with your favorite nuts, fruits, and flavors for a truly personalized treat.
