Easy Homemade Granola Bars: Simple Recipe

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How To Make Delicious Homemade Granola Bars

Are you tired of store-bought granola bars loaded with preservatives and artificial sweeteners? Making your own granola bars at home is surprisingly easy, healthier, and much more satisfying. This guide will walk you through a simple and customizable recipe to create the perfect batch of homemade granola bars. — Edmonton Oilers: News, Scores & Highlights

Why Make Granola Bars at Home?

  • Healthier Ingredients: Control exactly what goes into your bars, avoiding unwanted additives.
  • Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, adding your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
  • Cost-Effective: Making granola bars at home can be cheaper than buying them pre-made.
  • Freshness: Homemade bars are fresher and often taste better than store-bought ones.

Simple Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (such as peanut butter, almond butter)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts and seeds, and dried fruit. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, and coconut oil. Heat over low heat or in the microwave until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated. Ensure no dry spots remain.
  5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer you press, the better the bars will hold together.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  7. Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars of your desired size.

Tips for Perfect Granola Bars

  • Use Rolled Oats: Avoid using instant oats, as they will make the bars too mushy.
  • Press Firmly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is crucial for preventing the bars from falling apart.
  • Cool Completely: Ensure the bars are completely cool before cutting to help them hold their shape.
  • Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Variations and Add-Ins

  • Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey treat.
  • Coconut Flakes: Mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
  • Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Protein Powder: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a protein boost.

Conclusion

Making homemade granola bars is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to create a healthy and delicious snack tailored to your preferences. With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can enjoy fresh, homemade granola bars anytime. Experiment with different ingredients and variations to find your perfect combination. Enjoy! — Hubbard Broadcasting: History, Stations, And News

Try this recipe today and share your creations!