Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars
Description
Whole Foods Homemade Granola Bars feature a blend of both ground and whole oats mixed with raw almonds, cashews, pepitas, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, and sesame seeds. The nut and seed mix adds varying textures and natural flavors. A syrup cooked briefly from brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil binds these ingredients together while adding sweetness and richness. Once combined, the mixture is pressed tightly on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, chilled to firm up, and then cut into squares.
The texture balances crunch from the nuts and seeds with a chewiness from the oats and dried fruit. The syrup infusion keeps the bars moist but stable enough to hold their shape when handled. They provide a wholesome, homemade snack that stores well at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks, making them practical for packed lunches or quick snacks throughout the day.
These bars require no baking but rely on careful mixing and pressing to achieve a compact form. Adjusting the pressing time and syrup consistency can help control the final texture. Variations can be made by swapping or adding other nuts or dried fruits based on preference. Their moderately sweet and nutty profile appeals to those wanting a satisfying but not overly sugary snack.
Ingredients
- 4 cups oats or 3 1/4 cups oats + 3/4 cup oat bran, whole
- 3/4 cup almonds whole or sliced, raw
- 3/4 cup raw cashews chopped
- 1/2 cup Pepitas raw
- 2/3 cup coconut unsweetened, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or substitute palm sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Pour 1 1/2 cups oats in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
- Place the ground and remaining whole oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit in a large bowl. Mix well. Line a large 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- Place the brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil in a sauce pot over high heat. Bring to a roaring boil, stir well, then remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Then pour the syrup over the dry ingredients.
- Mix well, so that all the dry ingredients are coated, then scoop the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture out evenly. Use another sheet of wax paper to press down on the mixture until flat and packed. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set, then cut into squares. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator, or in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
- Use a sturdy pan and press mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together after cutting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 35+ large
Amount Per Serving
Calories 161 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 161kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 39mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 120mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.