These homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can make in just 20 minutes. Making these at home allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a healthier option.
These homemade granola bars are easy to make and incredibly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for any time of day. The basic recipe includes oats, nuts, and a sweetener, but you can add a variety of mix-ins to suit your taste.
I love to make my granola bars even healthier by including a mix of seeds and dried fruits. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and dried cranberries not only add extra flavor but also boost the nutritional value. This way, the bars are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
Serving these granola bars with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit makes for a well-rounded snack or breakfast. They’re a great option for busy mornings or a quick energy boost during the day. Plus, they’re easy to pack and take with you, making them a convenient choice for a healthy lifestyle.
What are Granola Bars?
Granola bars are a convenient and tasty snack made from a mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners like honey or syrup. These ingredients are often baked or pressed together to form a bar that’s easy to carry and eat on the go.
They come in many flavors and can include a variety of add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut. Granola bars are popular because they’re both nutritious and versatile, making them a great option for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pecans
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How to make Granola Bars
Step 1:
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2:
For a deeper flavor, you can toast the oats. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden. Let them cool slightly.
Step 3:
In a medium saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
In a large mixing bowl, stir the oats, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts (like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pecans), and dried fruit. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
Step 5: (Optional)
If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly before stirring them to prevent melting.
Step 6:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to compact the granola mixture evenly.
Step 7:
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the granola is firm and set.
Step 8:
Once set, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares.
Tips to Make Perfect Granola Bars
- Press Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, make sure to press down firmly and evenly. This helps the bars hold together better and prevents them from crumbling when cut.
- Chill Before Cutting: Allow the granola bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting them. This step is crucial for firming up the bars and making them easier to slice.
- Customize with Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins like seeds, spices, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Sunflower seeds, for example, add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan in one piece and ensures they don’t stick.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your granola bars less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or sugar. You can also use unsweetened dried fruits or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
How to Enjoy Granola Bars
Granola bars are a great snack to enjoy anytime. They’re perfect for a quick bite when you’re on the go, whether you’re heading to work, school, or out for a walk. They’re easy to pack and keep you satisfied until your next meal.
You can also enjoy granola bars as part of a balanced breakfast. Pair one with some fruit and yogurt, and you’ve got a meal that’s filling and nutritious. It’s a simple way to start your day with energy.
If you’re looking for a treat, granola bars can be a sweet dessert too. Enjoy one with a cup of tea or coffee, or crumble it over some ice cream for a tasty crunch. They’re a versatile snack that fits any time of day.
Nutrition Benefits of Granola Bars
Granola bars offer a range of nutritional benefits, making them a healthy and convenient snack option. Here are some key benefits:
- Rich in Fiber: Granola bars are often made with oats, which are a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to keep you full, supports digestive health, and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Good Source of Healthy Fats: Many granola bars include nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds, which are rich in healthy fats. These fats are essential for brain health, hormone production, and overall well-being.
- Energy Boost: The combination of oats, nuts, and dried fruits in granola bars provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This makes them an excellent source of energy, especially for a quick pick-me-up during the day or before a workout.
- Packed with Nutrients: Granola bars often contain a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. These add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet, supporting overall health.
- Low in Sugar (When Made at Home): Homemade granola bars can be made with less sugar than store-bought versions, making them a healthier option. You can control the amount of sweetener and choose natural options like honey or maple syrup.
- Portable and Convenient: Granola bars are easy to carry with you, making them a convenient option for busy days. They’re a healthier alternative to processed snacks and can help you avoid unhealthy choices when you’re on the go.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize granola bars to include ingredients that suit your dietary needs, such as gluten-free oats or adding extra protein with nuts or seeds. This flexibility ensures you get the nutrients you need in a form that works for you.
- Supports Heart Health: The fiber from oats and the healthy fats from nuts in granola bars can contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
How to store
To keep your granola bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay crisp and chewy for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap each bar individually or separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way, your granola bars can last for up to two weeks.
FAQ
How can I make my granola bars softer?
- To make softer granola bars, use more honey or another liquid sweetener, and reduce the baking time slightly. This will help keep them chewy and moist.
Are granola bars gluten-free?
- They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and other gluten-free ingredients if you need them to be gluten-free.
How do I keep my granola bars from falling apart?
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking, and make sure to chill the bars completely before cutting. Using enough binding ingredients, like honey or nut butter, also helps.
Can I reduce the sugar in granola bars?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar by using less sweetener or opting for unsweetened dried fruits. Keep in mind that the bars might not hold together as well with less sweetener.
Can I add protein powder to granola bars?
- Absolutely! You can mix in protein powder to boost the protein content. Just adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right texture.
Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought?
- Typically, yes. Homemade granola bars allow you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives, excess sugars, and artificial flavors.
Conclusion
Here it is—a simple and easy granola bar recipe that you can make your own. Whether you need a quick snack, a boost for breakfast, or a sweet treat, these granola bars are perfect. Try different ingredients to find your favorite combination!
Granola Bars Recipe
Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
bars15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesThese homemade granola bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can make in just 20 minutes. Making these at home allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a healthier option.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts, like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pecans
1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- For a deeper flavor, you can toast the oats. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden. Let them cool slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir the oats, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts (like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pecans), and dried fruit. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly before stirring them to prevent melting.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to compact the granola mixture evenly.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the granola is firm and set.
- Once set, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares.
Notes
- Allow the granola bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting them. This step is crucial for firming up the bars and making them easier to slice.
