These homemade granola bars are a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy, packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. They make for an excellent healthy snack or breakfast option, especially when you’re on the go. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite mix-ins.
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Cooling Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 95 mins
Yield: 12 granola bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or 1/2 cup old fashioned oats pulsed in a food processor until finely ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup raw almonds, rough chopped
- 3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven and prepare baking pan:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on 2 opposite sides to form a “sling.” - Combine the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, oat flour, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. - Prepare the mix-ins:
Add the chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, chopped dried cherries, and unsweetened coconut flakes to the bowl with the oat mixture. - Simmer wet ingredients:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine and shape granola bars:
Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and combine until fully coated. Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined baking pan, spread and press it evenly into the pan, and firmly press down until compact. - Bake granola bars:
Bake until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, about 25 minutes. - Chill:
Remove the pan from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes. - Cut and enjoy:
Use the parchment sling to transfer the granola to a cutting board, and cut into 12 bars.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these granola bars as a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
- Pair with a cup of yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
- Take them along on hikes or road trips for a convenient and healthy energy boost.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the mixture is well compacted in the pan to help the bars hold together.
- Customize the mix-ins based on your preferences, but keep the total volume around 2 1/2 cups.
- For a firmer texture, you can omit the corn syrup.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Packed with protein and healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
- Oats provide fiber and help keep you full longer.
- Dried fruits add natural sweetness and essential vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
- Can be made dairy-free by ensuring all ingredients used are dairy-free.
- Contains nuts and seeds, so not suitable for those with nut allergies.
Storage:
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- These granola bars are not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- They are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you always have a nutritious snack on hand.
- The combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits provides a satisfying crunch and chewiness in every bite.
Conclusion:
Homemade granola bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy snack that’s tailored to your taste. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time. Enjoy them as a part of your balanced diet, and feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to keep things exciting!