Homemade granola bars are nutritious snack bars made with oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and other ingredients such as honey, maple syrup, or peanut butter, then baked or turned into a bar shape. Granola bars are a popular and nutritious way to keep healthy snacks on hand. They can be a useful source of certain tastes and nutritional requirements. Homemade granola bars are an excellent lunch box or breakfast snack, and they can even be served as a dessert. They are simple to produce and can be kept in an airtight container for several days.
Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars are a tasty and nutritious snack that can be easily made in your kitchen. They are a healthier and more filling option than store-bought granola bars, which frequently contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.
The great thing about homemade granola bars is that they can be tailored to your specific taste preferences and dietary requirements. To make a tasty and nutritious snack, combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.
Healthy Homemade Granola Bars
Choose the ingredients you’d like to use to make healthy homemade granola bars. The basic ingredient in the recipe is rolled oats, which are high in fiber and energy. Nuts, such as almonds or cashews, can provide protein and healthy fats, while seeds, such as chia or flax, can provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Dry fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, can provide natural sweetness without the addition of sugar.
After you’ve chosen your ingredients, combine them in a mixing bowl with a binding agent such as honey or maple syrup. This helps to keep the ingredients together and gives the bars a chewy texture. If you prefer a crunchy texture, add coconut oil or nut butter to the mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. This will help the bars retain their shape after cooling. For added flavor, sprinkle with sea salt or cinnamon.
Bake the granola bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting them into bars with a sharp knife.
Why I Like Homemade Granola Bars
I enjoy making homemade granola bars because they are tasty snack that also has several health benefits. They are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can help you feel full and satisfied. They are also high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
Overall, homemade granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack that you can easily make in your kitchen. By selecting your ingredients and flavors, you can create a snack that meets your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Give them a try and enjoy a satisfying and nutritious snack anytime, anywhere.
How To Make Homemade Granola Bars
So my friends, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade granola bars:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter or coconut oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a large bowl. You can roughly chop the nuts and dried fruit into smaller pieces if you like.
- Heat the honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes more liquid. If using coconut oil instead, melt it in a separate microwave or stove bowl.
- Add nut butter or coconut oil to the warm honey or maple syrup and stir until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Add the sea salt and cinnamon, if using, and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the granola bars cool in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes before removing them from the pan and slicing them into bars.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
You can also experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make unique homemade granola bars. Add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or different nuts and seeds for variety. Enjoy your homemade granola bars as a healthy snack for the lunchbox, a quick breakfast, or a sweet treat after a meal.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best homemade granola bars:
- Use parchment paper to line your baking dish. This will make removing the bars from the pan easier and prevent them from sticking.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This will help the bars hold their shape and prevent them from crumbling.
- Let the granola bars cool completely before slicing them. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for longer and prevent them from getting stale.
- If you like crunchy granola bars, toast the oats and nuts in the oven before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- You can use a food processor to chop the nuts and dried fruit into smaller pieces, which will help them mix more evenly with the other ingredients.
- You can add more honey or maple syrup for a sweeter granola bar. For a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of sweetener or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia.
- Try different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg or using different types of dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.
- You can also make granola bars that are gluten-free or vegan by using gluten-free oats and substituting honey with agave or brown rice syrup.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find the perfect recipe. Homemade granola bars are a great way to customize your snacks to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs
Are homemade granola bars good for you?
When made with whole, nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, homemade granola bars can be a healthy snack option. Some store-bought granola bars, on the other hand, maybe high in added sugar and unhealthy fats. Making your own granola bars allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and tailor them to your specific dietary requirements. So, as long as you use healthy ingredients and limit your portion sizes, homemade granola bars can be a healthy snack to include in your diet.
Is it cheaper to make your own granola bar?
Yes, making your own granola bars is generally less expensive than purchasing pre-packaged ones. When making granola bars, you can buy ingredients in bulk and control the amounts of each ingredient, which can help you save money. Furthermore, making your own granola bars allows you to avoid paying the high prices of branded or specialty granola bars. Making your own granola bars allows you to save money while also customizing them to your liking.
How do you get granola bars to stick together?
To make granola bars stick together, use a binding agent such as honey, maple syrup, or nut butter to hold the ingredients together while baking. To help the mixture stick together, add melted coconut oil or an egg white. It’s also critical to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. This will assist them in firming up and holding their shape.
Why are homemade granola bars healthy?
Healthy granola bars can be made with whole, nutritious ingredients such as rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. You can control the amount of added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats in your granola bars by making them yourself, and you can avoid artificial preservatives and flavors found in store-bought granola bars. Making your own granola bars is a delicious and nutritious snack.
What is the binder in granola?
Granola’s binder is a sticky substance that holds the ingredients together while baking. A liquid sweetener such as honey or maple syrup, nut butter, melted coconut oil, or egg whites can all be used. The binder aids in the formation of clusters and keeps the granola from crumbling. The ingredients would be loose and fall apart if there was no binder. The binder also gives the granola sweetness and flavor.
Why is homemade granola not crunchy?
If homemade granola contains too much moisture or is not baked long enough, it may not be crunchy. To get a crunchy texture, spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) for a longer period of time, stirring occasionally. If the granola remains soft after baking, it may need to be baked for a longer period of time or at a higher temperature. Furthermore, adding wet ingredients to the granola, such as fresh fruit or yogurt, can cause it to lose its crunchiness.
Can You Freeze Granola Bars?
Granola bars can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. The bars can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before unwrapping and eating. Making granola bars ahead of time and freezing them is a great way to have a quick and easy snack on hand when you need it.
How to Store Granola Bars
To store homemade granola bars, follow these steps:
- After baking, allow the granola bars to cool completely.
- Cut the bars to the desired length.
- Place the bars in an airtight container, with parchment or wax paper between each layer.
- Keep the container cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, in a pantry or cupboard.
- Alternatively, for a quick snack, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Homemade granola bars can be stored properly for up to two weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Granola bars can also be frozen for up to three months for longer storage. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.