Homemade Granola Bars – Chewy, Delicious, and Perfect for Snacking

Granola bars are a popular snack choice, combining the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and dried fruits into a convenient, portable treat. While store-bought granola bars are handy, they often contain added sugars, preservatives, and other unnecessary ingredients. Making your own granola bars at home is a healthier, more cost-effective alternative that allows you to control what goes into each bar. Whether you like them chewy or crunchy, plain or packed with mix-ins, homemade granola bars are easy to customize and perfect for any time of day.

Why Make Granola Bars at Home?

Homemade granola bars are not only fresher and tastier but also offer complete control over the ingredients. This means you can tailor them to suit your dietary needs, preferences, and lifestyle. For example, you can use gluten-free oats, reduce or eliminate added sugars, and incorporate various nuts, seeds, and fruits for extra nutrition. Making your own bars is also a great way to avoid artificial preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought versions. Plus, homemade granola bars can be as indulgent or as healthy as you like, with endless possibilities for flavor combinations and textures.

Ingredients and Tools:

The best part about making granola bars is that you don’t need any special equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ingredients: Rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, nuts, dried fruits, optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes, and a touch of vanilla extract and salt.
• Tools: A mixing bowl, a saucepan, an 8×8-inch baking dish or a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a spoon or spatula for mixing.

Recipe: Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

• Yield: About 12 bars
• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving:
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 12 g
  • Protein: 5 g

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (such as peanut, almond, or cashew) Click here for homemade nut butter recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/homemade-nut-butters-creamy-delicious-and-customizable/
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/4 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or coconut flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the granola bars out of the dish once they’ve set.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and salt. If you’re using any additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes, add them now. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the nut butter and honey or maple syrup. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine and Mix: Pour the warm nut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure that all the oats and mix-ins are coated with the wet mixture. If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly before adding them to prevent melting.
5. Press into the Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. Pressing firmly is crucial to ensure that the bars hold together when cut.

6. Chill and Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set. This will make them easier to cut into neat squares or rectangles.

7. Cut and Store: Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips for Perfect Granola Bars:

• Press Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, use firm, even pressure. This helps the bars hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of honey or syrup based on your sweetness preference. For a less sweet bar, reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two.
• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to mix and match your favorite add-ins, like seeds, spices, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Flavor Variations for Granola Bars:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Replace the nut butter with peanut butter and add a generous handful of mini chocolate chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra treat.

• Tropical Delight: Use coconut flakes, dried pineapple, and macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
• Cranberry Almond: Combine dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and a pinch of cinnamon for a classic flavor combination.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Granola Bars:

• Breakfast on the Go: Pair a granola bar with a piece of fruit and a yogurt for a quick, balanced breakfast.
• Crumble Topping: Break a granola bar into pieces and use it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or ice cream.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack a granola bar in your kids’ lunchboxes for a wholesome snack they’ll love.

Storing Homemade Granola Bars:

To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. If you prefer a softer texture, keep them at room temperature. For a firmer bar, refrigerate them. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Health Benefits of Homemade Granola Bars:

Granola bars made at home can be packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats from oats, nuts, and seeds. They provide a sustained energy boost and can be a healthier alternative to many processed snacks. By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, you can avoid refined sugars, making them suitable for both kids and adults.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that granola bars were first introduced in the 1970s as a convenient, healthy snack for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts? Today, they’re enjoyed by people of all ages as a versatile, tasty treat.