Go Back
To make delicious homemade granola bars, you need a few key ingredients. These are the stars of the recipe: - 2 cups oats (rolled or quick) - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped - ½ cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped - ¼ cup sunflower seeds - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and satisfying snack. The oats form the base, while nuts add crunch and protein. Nut butter binds everything together, making the bars chewy. You can easily customize your granola bars. Here are some fun add-ins to consider: - Chocolate chips for sweetness - Coconut flakes for a tropical twist - Chia seeds for extra fiber - Pumpkin seeds for a nutty flavor - Spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth Feel free to mix and match! This way, you can create a new flavor every time you make them. Let’s look at the health benefits of these ingredients: - Oats: Rich in fiber, they help keep you full. They also support heart health. - Nuts: Packed with healthy fats, they provide protein and keep your energy up. - Nut Butter: Great for protein and healthy fats. It makes the bars creamy. - Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners provide energy. They also have antioxidants. - Dried Fruits: They add natural sweetness and vitamins. They help with digestion too. - Sunflower Seeds: High in vitamin E, they support skin health. - Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness. - Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich flavor without extra sugar. - Cinnamon: This spice helps regulate blood sugar and adds warmth. Each ingredient brings unique benefits. Together, they create a snack that is both tasty and good for you. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need oats, nuts, nut butter, honey, dried fruits, seeds, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later. In a big bowl, mix oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them well to combine. In another bowl, blend the nut butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is coated nicely. Add the dried fruits and fold them in gently. Now, transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula. Make sure it’s even and compact. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. This step gives your bars the perfect crunchy texture. Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool completely for about an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out of the dish. Cut it into bars of your desired size. Store the bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for a week or in the fridge for longer. Enjoy your tasty homemade snack! One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Always use a scale or measuring cups. Another error is not pressing the mixture down enough. If you don’t pack it firmly, the bars won’t hold together. Avoid using too much liquid; it can make your bars soggy. Finally, don’t skip cooling time. Letting them cool helps them set properly. For the best texture, balance wet and dry ingredients. Use enough nut butter and sweetener to bind everything. If your mixture seems dry, add a bit more honey or nut butter. You want it to feel sticky but not runny. Press the mixture firmly into the pan; this helps it stick together. Bake until golden brown edges appear for a crunchy bite. For a stunning display, stack the bars or fan them out on a platter. Pair them with fresh fruit for color and freshness. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper for a cute touch. This makes them easy to grab and eat. A sprinkle of nuts or seeds on top adds a nice finish too. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily make vegan granola bars. Just replace honey with maple syrup. Use almond or peanut butter, and ensure all your ingredients are plant-based. This keeps your snacks healthy and creamy without any animal products. The result is a tasty treat that everyone can enjoy. To make gluten-free bars, choose oats labeled gluten-free. Most oats are safe, but cross-contamination can happen. Use gluten-free nut butter and check all your add-ins for gluten. This way, you keep your snacks safe for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Gluten-free granola bars can be just as crunchy and delicious. Explore fun flavors by mixing and matching ingredients. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity: - Chocolate Chip: Add dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch. - Coconut: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. - Spicy: Sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick. - Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin puree and spices for a fall flavor. These tweaks can make your granola bars exciting and new. With the full recipe at hand, you can try these variations anytime. Enjoy your baking adventure! To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you want to keep them crunchy, avoid refrigeration unless needed. If you want to save your bars for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature. Homemade granola bars can last about a week at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for two weeks. The ingredients used may affect freshness. For instance, nut butter can help keep them moist longer. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use any nuts or seeds you like. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well. You can also try pumpkin seeds or chia seeds for a twist. Just chop them to a small size. This lets them mix well with the oats and binds nicely. To make granola bars chewier, add more nut butter or honey. You can also include more dried fruits, like dates or figs. These ingredients add moisture. Press the mixture down firmly in the pan. This keeps the bars dense and chewy. Homemade granola bars are often healthier. You control the ingredients and avoid additives. Store-bought bars may have extra sugar or preservatives. With homemade bars, you can choose natural sweeteners. You also get to add your favorite nuts and fruits. This way, you enjoy a snack that fits your diet. For a great start, check out the Full Recipe. Making homemade granola bars is simple and fun. You learned about key ingredients and optional add-ins. Each ingredient offers unique health benefits, making your bars both tasty and nutritious. You now have step-by-step instructions to create the perfect crunchy texture. I also shared tips to avoid mistakes and enhance presentation. Explore variations like vegan or gluten-free options to match your diet. Finally, good storage keeps your bars fresh and delicious. Now, go ahead and enjoy your healthy, homemade granola bars!

Homemade Granola Bars

Create your own delicious and nutritious snack with this simple homemade granola bars recipe! These easy-to-make bars are customizable to suit your taste and packed with health benefits. Whether you're a fan of chocolate chips or prefer a tropical coconut twist, you can mix in your favorite ingredients. Dive into step-by-step instructions and discover tips for perfect texture. Click through to explore the full recipe and start making your new go-to snack today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups oats (rolled or quick)

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped

½ cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)

½ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

      In a separate bowl, mix together the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is evenly coated.

          Fold in the dried fruits, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about an hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola out, and cut it into bars of your desired size.

                  Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the granola bars in a stack or fan them out on a platter, and serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a vibrant, healthful display.