Homemade Granola Bars Easy Recipe Healthy Snack Treat

Want a tasty snack that’s both healthy and easy to make? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! These homemade granola bars are great for any time of day. Packed with oats, nuts, and fruits, they offer the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Plus, you can customize them to fit your taste. Let’s dive into this simple recipe and whip up some delicious snacks you can enjoy!

Ingredients

When making homemade granola bars, using the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), chopped

– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

– 1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut butter)

– 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)

– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These simple ingredients come together to create a tasty and healthy snack. Rolled oats form the base of our bars. They provide fiber and make you feel full. The mixed nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup serves as the sweetener, giving your bars just the right amount of sweetness.

Next, we have nut butter. It adds creaminess and binds everything together. Dried fruits bring in natural sugars and chewy texture. Dark chocolate chips can be a fun treat if you choose to add them.

Finally, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon enhance the flavors. Salt brings out sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth. This mix of ingredients is not only nutritious but also delicious. You can find the full recipe for these crunchy nutty granola bars in the recipe section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a big bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped mixed nuts, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well until everything is even.

3. Make the honey-nut butter mixture. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) with 1/2 cup of nut butter. Heat this on low. Stir until it’s smooth. Once melted, take it off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

4. Combine mixtures and fold in extras. Pour the warm honey-nut butter mix over the dry ingredients. Stir it well to coat everything. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of dried fruits and 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, if you want.

Baking Instructions

1. Transfer to baking dish and press down. Put the mixture into your baking dish. Spread it evenly. Use a spatula to press it down firmly. This helps the bars hold together.

2. Bake until golden brown. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown on the edges.

3. Cool and cut into bars. After baking, take the dish out and let it cool completely. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the granola block out. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into bars or squares as you like.

For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Granola Bars

To get the best granola bars, baking time matters. If you want chewy bars, bake for about 20 minutes. For crispier bars, try 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want a nice golden edge.

Pressing the mixture firmly in the pan is key. This helps the bars hold together. When you press down hard, they stick better. Use a spatula or your hands. Just make sure it’s compact and even.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up sweeteners, try agave or brown rice syrup. Both work great and add a unique flavor. Each gives a slightly different taste, so you can experiment.

For those with nut allergies, there are options! Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of nuts. You can also skip them altogether. The bars will still taste amazing!

Serving Suggestions

Granola bars are great for pairing. Serve them with some fresh fruit, like apples or bananas. You can even add yogurt for a tasty dip.

These bars also work well as meal prep snacks. Make a batch on the weekend. Grab one each day for a quick breakfast or snack. They are perfect for on-the-go eating!

For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars section.

Variations

Flavor Add-Ins

You can get creative with flavor add-ins for your granola bars. Here are some fun options:

– Dried Fruits: Try using different dried fruits like mango, figs, or apricots. Each fruit brings a unique taste and texture. Dried mango adds a tropical flair, while figs give a chewy richness.

– Nut and Seed Combinations: Mix and match nuts and seeds to find your favorite blend. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews work well together. You could also add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Dietary Options

If you have specific dietary needs, here are some easy swaps:

– Gluten-Free Substitutions: You can make your bars gluten-free by using gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy them without worry.

– Vegan Options: For a vegan option, simply replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based.

These variations let you customize your homemade granola bars to fit your taste and dietary needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to make these tasty treats!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain their crunch. You can use plastic containers or glass jars with tight lids. At room temperature, granola bars last about a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing Granola Bars

Freezing your granola bars is easy and a great way to save them. First, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take a bar out and let it thaw at room temperature. To keep the texture nice, avoid microwaving them. Instead, let them sit for about 30 minutes. This way, they will be just as tasty as when you first made them. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above and enjoy your healthy snack!

FAQs

Common Questions

How to make granola bars less crumbly?

To make your granola bars less crumbly, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps hold everything together. You can also add more nut butter or honey. These ingredients act as a binder.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Yes, you can add protein powder! It boosts nutrition. Start with 1/4 cup and mix it in with your dry ingredients. Make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

How long do homemade granola bars last?

Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks if stored properly.

Are granola bars healthy for a snack?

Granola bars can be a healthy snack. They provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. However, check the sugar content. Make your own, like the recipe I shared, for a healthier option.

Can I make these without nuts?

Absolutely! You can skip nuts if you have allergies or dislike them. Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Dried fruits can add extra flavor and texture.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can use quick oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats will make the bars more chewy and less crunchy. Rolled oats give a better bite and help hold the bars together.

You can easily make tasty, healthy granola bars using simple ingredients. We broke down each step, from mixing to baking, ensuring you create the perfect snack. Remember to adjust your baking time for your desired texture. Feel free to customize flavors and find ingredient swaps for your needs. Store these bars properly for freshness. Enjoy your delicious creation as a snack or meal prep option. Homemade granola bars offer great taste and nutrition in every bite. You have all the tools to make your snack time better!

Homemade Granola Bars: Easy Recipe

Satisfy your cravings with these crunchy nutty granola bars! Packed with oats, mixed nuts, and a hint of honey or maple syrup, these bars are perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast on-the-go. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to make your own at home. You'll love how simple it is to create deliciously healthy treats. Click through to discover the full recipe and indulge in homemade goodness today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews), chopped

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup nut butter (choose almond or peanut butter)

1/2 cup dried fruits (options include raisins, cranberries, and apricots)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the pure vanilla extract.

Pour this warm honey-nut butter mixture over the oat and nut mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that every ingredient is well coated with the sticky mixture.

Carefully fold in the dried fruits and the dark chocolate chips, if you're using them, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and use the back of a spatula to press down firmly, creating a compact and level layer.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely within the dish. When cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the granola block out of the dish and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares as desired.

Store your crunchy granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them to prolong freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter, perhaps with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the granola.