Homemade Granola Bars
User Reviews
5
Homemade Granola Bars
Description
Homemade Granola Bars start by toasting oats and nuts to deepen their flavor before mixing them with a warm honey and butter syrup that includes brown sugar and vanilla. After cooling slightly, add-ins like coconut flakes or dried fruit are stirred in. The mixture is then pressed firmly into a lined pan and refrigerated to set. This process results in bars with a satisfying chew from the oats and a balance of sweetness from the honey and brown sugar. Additional mix-ins can be sprinkled on top for extra texture.
The bars are practical for making ahead and can be customized with favorite nuts and dried fruits or candies. The recipe emphasizes gentle heating of the syrup to avoid boiling, preserving a smooth texture. Chilling the mixture allows the bars to firm up, making them easy to cut and handle as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup nuts cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, peanuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 Tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins (Add 3/4 to 1 cup total of any combination of the following)
- miniature chocolate chips
- Toasted coconut flakes
- dried cranberries
- M&M's miniature
- Oreo cookies chopped
- white chocolate chips
- dried blueberries
- dried apples
- dried apricot
- caramel bits
- Rice Krispies
- dried pineapple
- dried mango
- seeds pumpkin, chia, sunflower, hemp, flax
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the oats and nuts in an even layer on the baking sheet, then bake for 4 minutes. Stir and bake for another 4 minutes until toasted. Remove from oven.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, butter, brown sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until smooth. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil. Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and nuts with the honey mixture. Stir in any other mix-ins that won't melt like coconut or dried fruit. Let cool for 15 minutes before adding any chocolate chips or mini M&M's.
- Line a square pan with parchment paper or foil, then press the granola mixture firmly into the pan by placing a piece of parchment paper on top and pressing down or using a rubber spatula.
- Sprinkle extra miniature chocolate chips or other mix-ins on top, if desired, and press them in.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, then let the bars sit on the counter for 10 minutes before cutting into 12 rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or on the counter for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 233 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 233kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 59mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 143IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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