Homemade Granola Bars

$To make tasty granola bars, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - A pinch of salt These ingredients mix well to create a chewy, nutty snack. The oats provide a great base, while the nuts and seeds add crunch and healthy fats. You can easily change these bars to match your taste. Here are some fun add-ins: - Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber - Chocolate chips for a sweet touch - Coconut flakes for a tropical flavor - Pumpkin seeds for added crunch - Spice blends like nutmeg or cardamom for warmth Feel free to mix and match these options. This way, you can create your own perfect snack! To make your granola bars even more delicious, you can add flavor boosts. Here are a few ideas: - Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. - Add a dash of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo. - Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top after cooling for a treat. Remember, these tips can help you craft a unique flavor profile. It’s all about what you love! Check out the Full Recipe if you want to dive deeper into making these bars. Start by gathering your ingredients. For my Nutty Delight Granola Bars, you need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - A pinch of salt Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is combined. Now, in a small saucepan, add the honey or maple syrup and nut butter. Heat it on low. Stir until it melts and becomes smooth. Once melted, remove it from the heat. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Pour this warm mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together. Ensure all the dry ingredients are coated well. Pour the granola mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. Make it even across the dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about one hour. This step is key! It helps the bars set properly. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. Enjoy your homemade granola bars as a healthy snack or breakfast! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best texture in your granola bars, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together well. Bake them until the edges turn golden. A light bake keeps the bars chewy, while a darker bake makes them crispier. Cool them completely before cutting. This step is key for a clean cut. You can easily adjust these bars for your dietary needs. If you need them nut-free, just skip the nuts and use seeds. For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free oats. If you want to lower the sugar, use less honey or maple syrup. You can also swap in a sugar substitute if you prefer. To make these granola bars pop with flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh nuts and seeds taste better and have more nutrients. Don't forget to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also mix in zest from an orange or lemon for a bright taste. Finally, try adding different dried fruits for more variety. These choices make each batch unique and tasty. For the recipe, check out the Full Recipe for Nutty Delight Granola Bars. {{image_2}} You can easily make nut-free granola bars. Just skip the nuts. Use more seeds instead. Here’s a simple recipe: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pumpkin seeds, chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - A pinch of salt Follow the same steps as the Nutty Delight Granola Bars. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Press the mixture into a baking dish. Bake as directed. Enjoy your nut-free bars! If you love chocolate and coconut, try this twist! Add chocolate chips and shredded coconut. This is how you make them: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (or seeds) - 1/2 cup shredded coconut - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the wet ones. Stir until combined. Bake as usual. The chocolate and coconut will give you a sweet treat! For a protein-packed snack, add protein powder to the mix. Here’s a quick recipe: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (or seeds) - 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower) - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Ensure the protein powder mixes well. Press into a baking dish and bake as directed. These bars will keep you energized throughout the day! For full recipes, check out the Nutty Delight Granola Bars. After you make your granola bars, let them cool. Once cool, cut them into bars. You can store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for about one week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. This helps keep them tasty and chewy. If you want to save your granola bars for later, freezing is great. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just take out a bar. Let it thaw on the counter for a bit. This way, you have a quick snack whenever you want. Choose the right container for storage. A glass jar with a tight lid works well. You can also use a plastic container with a seal. Both options keep air out and keep your bars fresh. Avoid using containers that are too big. This can let air in and make your bars go stale fast. Yes, you can use many sweeteners. Maple syrup and agave syrup work well. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Each adds a unique flavor. To make granola bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Use a plant-based nut butter, like almond or cashew. Check all your add-ins to ensure they are vegan. To cut granola bars, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool fully. Lift them out by the parchment paper. Then, use a gentle sawing motion to slice them into even bars. Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. You can store them in an airtight container. For more freshness, refrigerate them. They can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Absolutely! You can add protein powder to boost nutrition. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the dry ingredients. Choose a flavor that matches your taste, like vanilla or chocolate. Homemade granola bars are easy to make and tasty. This post shared key ingredients, steps to prepare, and tips for the best results. You learned how to customize your bars with add-ins and flavors. Remember, storage is key for freshness. For special diets, you can swap ingredients or try variations like nut-free recipes. Enjoy creating your own snacks that suit your taste and needs. Now, get started on your first batch!$

Discover the joy of making your own Nutty Delight Granola Bars with this easy recipe! Packed with wholesome oats, mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Follow our simple steps to create a delicious treat that you can enjoy at home or take on the go. Click through to explore the full recipe and start your healthy snacking journey today!

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)

1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (greased for easier handling) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) before lifting it out using the parchment paper.

Once cooled, cut into bars or squares as desired.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve these granola bars wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a rustic touch or in a mason jar for an appealing display. Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack!