Easy Homemade Granola Bars
Almost everyone has a soft spot for a well-crafted granola bar! They’re like pocket-sized powerhouses of traditional granola that are perfect for on-the-go. But did you know that you can effortlessly whip up a batch of homemade granola bars that can rival your favorite store-bought brand!? It’s true and remarkably easy, not to mention more cost-effective! But let me tell you what sets my recipe apart from the rest! Firstly, these bars crafted with a base of oats and almonds with some cranberries and mini chocolate chips, all bound together by peanut butter and honey are truly tasty. Yet, the real secret to this exceptional granola bar lies in the precise ratio of ingredients and toasting of the oats, and this foolproof recipe has that down to a science!
Oats – The heart of these granola bars, oats give them a wholesome chewiness. Almonds – Add some nutty flavor and texture. Feel free to use any type of nuts you like such as walnuts, peanuts, pecans, or cashews. Pepitas – Also known as pumpkin seeds, they add another layer of crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Sunflower seeds are another good option. Honey – Used to sweeten the bars and help bind them together with the peanut butter. You can also use other natural sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or agave to make vegan granola bars. Butter – Adds a bit of richness and buttery goodness. Always use unsalted butter in baking. Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter helps to bind the granola bars. Feel free to use other types of nut butter such as almond butter. Dried Cranberries – Gives the bars a little chewy texture and little bursts of sweetness. Raisins, dried blueberries, and dried cherries are all good substitutions. Mini Chocolate Chips – A little chocolate just makes everything better! Vanilla Extract – A drop of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness. Ground Cinnamon – A dash of warm spice ties all the flavors together.
Making homemade healthy granola bars is so easy! Once you have all your ingredients ready, it only takes a few minutes of preparation! To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some hanging over 2 of the sides for easy removal. Next, before you make the bars you want to toast the almonds and oats to make them extra yummy. First, spread them out on a baking sheet. Now, put them in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until toasted, stirring them from time to time. Then pour the toasted oat mixture into a large bowl. While the oats are toasting, combine the honey, melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Then warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s well combined and smooth. Now, for the fun part! Add the pepitas and dried cranberries to the oat mixture and toss until well combined. Then pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir everything until fully coated. Next, let the mixture cool for a few minutes, and then stir in the mini chocolate chips. Once your granola bar mixture is ready, put it into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the pan. Using the bottom of a glass or a spatula can make this step easier. Then put the pan in the fridge and let the granola mixture chill for about 2 hours. After the granola is set, remove it from the fridge and use the edges of the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Then use a sharp knife to cut the granola into bars.
Storage
For short-term storage, just put the granola bars in an airtight container, and they will keep at room temperature for a week. You can also individually wrap them in parchment paper and then place them in a sealed freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
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