Easy Homemade Granola Bars: A Simple Recipe

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Are you craving a healthy and delicious snack? Look no further! Homemade granola bars are a fantastic option. They're easy to make, customizable to your favorite flavors, and much healthier than store-bought versions. This guide will walk you through a simple recipe to create your own batch of chewy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying granola bars. — SkipTheGames Utica: Find Escorts & Adult Entertainment

Why Make Your Own Granola Bars?

Before diving into the recipe, let's explore the benefits of making granola bars at home:

  • Healthier Ingredients: Control exactly what goes into your bars, avoiding excessive sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
  • Cost-Effective: Making your own granola bars can be significantly cheaper than buying them pre-made.
  • Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. Add your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices.
  • Freshness: Enjoy the delightful taste of freshly baked granola bars.

Simple Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

This recipe is designed to be easy and adaptable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand and your personal preferences. — Atticus Shaffer: Life After 'The Middle'

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and shredded coconut (if using). Mix well.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Make sure no dry clumps remain.
  5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly dampened) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The tighter you pack it, the better the bars will hold together.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  7. Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into desired shapes and sizes.

Tips for Perfect Granola Bars

  • Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the bars too mushy.
  • Toast the Oats and Nuts: For extra flavor, toast the oats and nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before combining with the other ingredients.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup.
  • Add Chocolate Chips: For a decadent treat, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Variations and Add-Ins

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your homemade granola bars. Here are a few ideas to get you started: — Dougray Scott: Life, Career, And Key Roles

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
  • Cranberry Almond: Use dried cranberries and sliced almonds.
  • Tropical Delight: Add dried mango, pineapple, and macadamia nuts.
  • Savory Granola Bars: Omit the dried fruit and add savory ingredients like Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices.

Conclusion

Making homemade granola bars is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a healthy and customizable snack. With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can create delicious granola bars that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or on-the-go fuel. So, gather your ingredients and start baking! These granola bars are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!