![To make your own granola bars, gather the following: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds) - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (your choice of sweetener) - 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots), roughly chopped You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or needs. Here are some options: - Oats: Quick oats or gluten-free oats work well. - Nuts: Use any nuts you love or seeds for a nut-free option. - Seeds: Chia seeds or flaxseeds can replace pumpkin or sunflower seeds. - Sweeteners: Agave syrup or brown rice syrup can replace honey or maple syrup. - Nut Butter: Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free choice. - Dried Fruits: Fresh fruits or chocolate chips can add a fun twist. These homemade granola bars are not just tasty; they pack in nutrition too. Each bar offers: - Calories: About 150-200, depending on the ingredients used. - Protein: Generally around 5-7 grams per bar, thanks to nuts and seeds. - Fiber: Each bar has about 3 grams, helping you feel full. - Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds provide good fats for energy. - Vitamins and Minerals: These bars are rich in magnesium, iron, and vitamin E. Making these bars at home is a great way to control what goes in them. Check the [Full Recipe] for all the steps and tips. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped) - 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin and sunflower) - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Mix well until everything is evenly blended. This mix brings texture and flavor to your bars. In a small saucepan, add: - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond or peanut butter Heat this over low heat. Stir it continuously until it melts and becomes smooth. Once mixed, remove it from the heat. Then stir in: - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract This sweet mixture holds everything together. Pour the warm honey-nut mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated. Next, fold in: - 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) Transfer this mixture to your prepared pan. Press it down firmly using the back of your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown edge and a set bar. After baking, cool the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, cut them into bars or squares. Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container. Enjoy this nutritious snack anytime! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best texture, you need the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, your bars may crumble. If it’s too wet, they will not hold together. Aim for a sticky but thick mix. Press it firmly into the pan. This helps the bars stay together when baked. Cutting granola bars can be tricky. To make it easier, let the bars cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If they stick, run the knife under hot water. This helps cut through without tearing them apart. For perfect squares, score the bars lightly before cutting all the way through. Granola bars are great on their own, but you can make them even better! Try serving them with yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast. You can also pair them with nut butter for a quick snack. They are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. {{image_4}} You can play with flavors in your granola bars. Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate Chip Delight: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. - Tropical Twist: Use dried pineapple and coconut for a sunny taste. - Spiced Pumpkin: Mix in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Each flavor makes a unique bar that fits your mood. You can easily adjust this recipe for specific diets. For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. If you need nut-free options, swap nuts for seeds. Sunflower seeds are a great option. You can also use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter. These swaps keep your bars tasty and safe for everyone. To make your granola bars more filling, add protein or fiber. Try these options: - Protein Powder: Mix in 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder. - Chia Seeds: Add 1/4 cup of chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s. - Flaxseeds: Include 1/4 cup of ground flaxseeds for extra nutrition. These small changes make a big difference in health and satisfaction. To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crunch. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper. It adds a nice touch and keeps them from sticking. Place the wrapped bars in a resealable bag for extra protection. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can make them stale. Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. If you store them properly, they stay fresh longer. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. You will notice they may become firmer but still tasty. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look unusual, it's best to toss them away. Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your granola bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars. To cut granola bars, first cool them completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife. Cut with a gentle sawing motion. This helps avoid crushing them. Aim for even sizes, so they are easy to grab. If you want clean edges, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both give a nice sweetness. If you want a lower sugar option, try brown rice syrup. Each sweetener may change the taste a bit, but the bars will still be tasty. Adjust the amount to match your sweet preference. To make chewy granola bars, add more sticky ingredients. Use more almond butter or peanut butter. You can also reduce baking time by a few minutes. This keeps them softer. Another tip is to add more dried fruits. They contribute moisture and chewiness, making every bite delightful. Absolutely! These granola bars make a great snack for kids. They are packed with nutrients and flavor. You can customize them by adding their favorite dried fruits. These bars are a fun and healthy treat, perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks. Enjoy making them together! Making homemade granola bars is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients and how to mix them. I shared tips for perfect texture and cutting. You also learned about tasty variations and storage options. Remember, these bars are not just healthy; they are easy to customize. Try different flavors and ingredients to match your taste. Enjoy your granola bars fresh, chewy, or crunchy!](https://roastedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0c5c1c00-39f4-48a0-8f7a-269608775d88-300x300.webp)
- Easy Homemade Granola Bars
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars that are perfect for a healthy snack! Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, this recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Easy to make, these granola bars are a great on-the-go option for busy lifestyles. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a nutritious treat any time of day!