These homemade granola bars are packed with wholesome oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, all bound together with the natural sweetness of honey and banana. They make for a perfect snack, breakfast, or on-the-go energy booster. The combination of walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, and dried apricots gives these bars a deliciously chewy texture, while the honey and vanilla add a touch of sweetness.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars
Mold Size: 18 cm x 26 cm (7” x 10”)
Ingredients
- 300g (3 cups) oat flakes (long cooking)
- 130g (1/3 cup) honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 banana (approx. 120g)
- 150g dates (can be replaced with a second banana)
- 50g dried apricots
- 30g blueberries
- 50g cranberries
- 30g pumpkin seeds
- 50g almonds
- 100g walnuts
- 20g macadamia nuts
Baking Instructions:
- Bake at 150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Nuts and Fruit
- Chop the Nuts: Chop the almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts into large pieces. Set them aside in a large bowl.
- Chop the Dried Fruits: Cut the dates, dried apricots, cranberries, and blueberries into small cubes. Add them to the same bowl with the nuts.
- Step 2: Prepare the Banana Base
- Mash the Banana: In a separate small bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Mix with Honey and Vanilla: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed banana and mix well. This mixture will act as the binding agent for the granola bars.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Add the Oats and Seeds: Pour the rolled oats and pumpkin seeds into the bowl with the chopped nuts and dried fruit. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine with the Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour the banana-honey mixture over the oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Press into the Baking Pan
- Line a baking pan (18 cm x 26 cm) with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to ensure it’s compacted and even.
- Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F) and bake the mixture for 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and firm.
- Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Once baked, let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a quick breakfast bar with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pack them as a healthy snack for a road trip or picnic.
- Enjoy them as an energy boost before or after a workout.
- Pair them with yogurt and fresh fruits for a complete snack.
- Use as a topping for smoothie bowls for added crunch and nutrition.
Cooking Tips
- Be sure to press the mixture into the pan tightly to help the bars hold together during baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey.
- You can use any combination of dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences.
- For added crunch, lightly toast the oats and seeds in a dry pan before mixing them into the batter.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they don’t fall apart.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: A great source of fiber, helping to keep you full for longer and promote digestive health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, they provide sustained energy.
- Banana: A natural source of potassium and vitamins, it helps boost energy levels and regulate heart health.
- Dried Fruit: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, dried fruits like apricots and cranberries provide an immune boost and energy.
Dietary Information
- Vegan-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
- Nut-Free: Substitute with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you have nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 10-12g
Storage
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually before freezing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade granola bars are incredibly customizable, delicious, and packed with nutritious ingredients. They provide a balanced combination of healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness from fruits and honey. Whether you’re on the go or looking for a quick energy boost, these bars will keep you satisfied and energized. Plus, they are super easy to make and last for days!
Conclusion
These homemade granola bars are not only tasty but also provide a perfect balance of nutrition and energy. With a variety of nuts, fruits, and oats, they’re an ideal snack for any time of day. They’re perfect for meal prep, and you can customize them to suit your preferences. The best part? They’re simple to make and packed with wholesome ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice. - Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the nuts with extra seeds or dried fruit if you’re allergic to nuts. - Can I use other fruits instead of dried apricots and cranberries?
Yes, you can use raisins, figs, or any other dried fruit you prefer. - Do I need to use all the different types of nuts?
No, you can use just one or two types of nuts, depending on your preference. - Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?
Yes, rolled oats work best for this recipe as they give a better texture and hold up well in baking. - Can I freeze the granola bars?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - How do I ensure the bars hold together?
Make sure you press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake it long enough until it’s golden brown and firm. - Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content. - How long do these granola bars last?
They last up to 1 week at room temperature and up to 2 weeks if stored in the fridge. - Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re a great snack for kids as they’re packed with healthy ingredients and are not overly sweet.