Homemade Granola Bars

Name: Homemade Granola Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts); 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Homemade granola bars offer a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and chocolate chips, making them a perfect choice for a quick snack or a busy morning breakfast on the go. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can create delicious bars right in your own kitchen, tailored to your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Toast Oats and Nuts: Spread the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble. Remove from heat.

Combine and Mix: Pour the honey mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Add chocolate chips if desired. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and combined.

Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Cut: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars or squares.

Storage: Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Serving Tips:

Enjoy Anytime: Homemade granola bars are perfect for breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a quick snack before hitting the gym.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or alongside fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples for a balanced snack.

Customization: Feel free to customize your granola bars by adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.

Cutting and Presentation: For a neat presentation, ensure the granola bars are completely cooled before cutting. Use a sharp knife to slice them into bars or squares of your desired size.

Storage Tips:

Airtight Containers: Store the cooled granola bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.

Room Temperature: Keep the bars at room temperature for up to one week. This is ideal if you plan to consume them within a few days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, especially in warmer climates or during hot seasons, refrigerate the bars. They can last up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Freezing Option: If you want to extend the shelf life even further, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen granola bars can be stored for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Layering: When storing multiple bars, separate them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Related Recipes:

FAQs:

Can I customize the ingredients in homemade granola bars?

Absolutely! One of the great things about making granola bars at home is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can add different types of nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts), seeds (such as chia or flaxseeds), dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins), or even swap out honey for maple syrup depending on your preferences.

How long do homemade granola bars stay fresh?

Properly stored homemade granola bars can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to extend their shelf life, store them in the refrigerator where they can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars in individual portions wrapped in parchment paper and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Can I make granola bars without using an oven?

Yes, you can make no-bake granola bars. Simply skip the toasting step and instead mix all the ingredients together, press them into a lined pan, and refrigerate until firm. This method is convenient for warm weather or when you prefer not to use the oven.

Are homemade granola bars healthy?

Homemade granola bars can be a healthy snack option depending on the ingredients used. They typically contain oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which provide fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. By controlling the amount of sugar and using wholesome ingredients, you can create nutritious bars that are lower in processed sugars and additives compared to many store-bought varieties.

Conclusion:

Whether enjoyed as a quick snack during a busy day or as a wholesome breakfast option, these homemade granola bars are sure to satisfy. Customize them by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating nutritious treats right in your own kitchen. With this recipe, you’re not just making bars—you’re making moments of delicious enjoyment. Treat yourself today!

📖 Recipe: