Homemade Nutty Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making them a great snack for on-the-go or a quick breakfast option. These bars, loaded with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and oats, are not only nutritious but also easy to make. With the natural sweetness of honey and bananas, these granola bars can satisfy your sweet tooth while providing the energy you need to power through your day.

This recipe incorporates a mix of almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds, providing healthy fats and fiber, while dried fruits like cranberries, blueberries, apricots, and dates add texture and sweetness. They’re baked to golden perfection at a low temperature to maintain the crunch and nutritional value of each ingredient.

Let’s dive into making these delicious and nutritious homemade granola bars!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Yields: 14 pieces
Pan size: 18 cm x 26 cm

  • Oat flakes (long cooking): 300 g
  • Honey: 130 g
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Banana: 1 pc. (approx. 120 g)
  • Dates: 150 g (can be replaced with a second banana)
  • Dried apricots: 50 g
  • Cranberries: 30 g
  • Blueberries: 50 g
  • Pumpkin seeds: 30 g
  • Almonds: 50 g
  • Walnuts: 100 g
  • Macadamia nuts: 20 g

Baking instructions: Bake at 150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nuts and Fruits

  1. Chop the nuts: Coarsely chop the almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts to create bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Chop the dried fruits: Dice the dates, dried apricots, cranberries, and blueberries into small pieces. Add these to the same bowl with the nuts.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Base

  1. Mash the banana: In a separate small bowl, mash the banana until smooth. If you are using dates instead of a banana, ensure they are finely chopped or blended into a paste.
  2. Combine with honey and vanilla: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed banana, and mix thoroughly. This will act as the binding agent for your granola bars, keeping everything together.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. Add oats and seeds: Pour the oat flakes and pumpkin seeds into the bowl with the chopped nuts and dried fruits. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Combine with wet ingredients: Gradually pour the banana-honey mixture over the oats, nuts, and fruits. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the honey mixture coats everything evenly.

Step 4: Press into the Baking Pan

  1. Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line your 18 cm x 26 cm pan. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars once baked.
  2. Press the mixture into the pan: Pour the oat-nut mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together after baking.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake the granola bars: Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  2. Cool completely: Once baked, allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving firm bars that don’t crumble when cut.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

  1. Slice the bars: Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the granola into 14 equal-sized bars.
  2. Serve or store: Enjoy your homemade granola bars right away, or store them for later.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 210-250 kcal
  • Protein: 6-8 g
  • Fat: 10-12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
  • Fiber: 3-5 g
  • Sugar: 15-18 g

These values can vary based on the specific types of nuts, dried fruits, and other ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I replace honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or even a plant-based sweetener. However, the texture and binding effect may differ slightly.

2. Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these bars vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Also, check the ingredients of your vanilla extract and any store-bought dried fruits to ensure they are vegan-friendly.

4. How long will the granola bars last?
These bars can stay fresh for up to 7 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the bars, and they will last for up to 2 months.

Tips for Making the Perfect Granola Bars

  1. Use long-cooking oats: Long-cooking oats work better in this recipe as they hold their shape and provide a satisfying chew. Instant oats may result in bars that are too soft.
  2. Ensure even mixing: Thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients to ensure the bars stick together evenly.
  3. Press firmly into the pan: To avoid crumbly bars, press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. This helps the bars hold their shape.
  4. Cool completely before cutting: Patience is key! Allow the granola bars to cool completely to ensure they firm up properly before slicing.

Storage Tips

  1. Room Temperature: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them fresh, layer parchment paper between the bars.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
  3. Refrigeration: These bars can also be kept in the refrigerator, which will extend their shelf life to about 10-14 days.

Conclusion

Homemade Nutty Granola Bars are a perfect snack option that combines healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from honey and fruits. This recipe is highly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

These bars are easy to make and store, making them a convenient snack to have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a pre-workout snack, or a healthy treat, these granola bars have you covered. Try making a batch today, and enjoy the satisfaction of a wholesome homemade snack!