Homemade Granola Bars

$To make my homemade granola bars, you need the following ingredients. Each one adds flavor and nutrition to your bars: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) These ingredients make a perfect blend for a tasty snack. The oats give a nice base. Nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds give you extra protein. Honey or maple syrup sweetens it all up. Almond butter binds the mix together and adds creaminess. Vanilla and cinnamon boost the flavor. Salt balances everything out. If you like, toss in some dried fruit for a sweet surprise. You can find the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions to make these nutrient-packed bars. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some paper over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped almonds, 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well so all the dry ingredients blend. - In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) and 1/4 cup of almond butter over low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove it from heat, then add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated well. - If you want to add sweetness, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins now. This adds a nice chewy texture. - Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly to create an even layer. Use a spatula or your damp hands to pack it tightly. - Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. This means they are done. - Let them cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. After they cool, cut them into bars or squares. You can find the full recipe details above to guide you through this fun cooking adventure! To ensure your granola bars hold together, use enough sticky ingredients. Honey or maple syrup works well. The nut butter also helps bind everything. Make sure to pack the mixture tightly in the pan. Use a spatula or your damp hands to press it down firmly. This step is key to keeping your bars intact. Want to spice things up? Try adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can add sweetness. Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. Serving granola bars can be fun and creative. Cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Wrap them in colorful parchment paper for a nice touch. Tie them with twine for a rustic look. These bars make great snacks for school or work. Enjoy them anytime, anywhere! {{image_2}} You can easily make vegan granola bars. Just swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch without any animal products. You can also use plant-based nut butters. Almond butter or peanut butter work great here. This way, you keep the bars tasty and cruelty-free. If you need gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. This ensures no cross-contamination happens. For seeds and nuts, choose alternatives like pumpkin seeds or pecans. These options keep your bars crunchy and packed with flavor. Feel free to mix up the flavors! For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips. Dark chocolate adds richness and pairs well with nuts. You can also try tropical fruit and nut combinations. Dried pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts create a sunny taste. These variations keep your granola bars fresh and exciting. You can find the full recipe [here](#). To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting stale. You can use glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable bags. If you want to keep them extra fresh, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars. At room temperature, these bars last about one week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, they can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the bars smell off or have a dry texture, it's time to toss them. Also, if you see mold or any weird spots, throw them away. Trust your senses; they are good guides for freshness. How to make granola bars without nut butter? You can use mashed bananas, applesauce, or tahini instead of nut butter. These options help bind the bars together like nut butter does. They also add moisture and flavor. Can I use different types of oats? Yes, you can use quick oats or steel-cut oats. Quick oats will make the bars softer. Steel-cut oats will give a chewier texture. Just note that cooking times may vary. What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a honey substitute. Both add sweetness without changing the taste too much. You can also use brown rice syrup if you want a thicker texture. Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought? Yes, homemade bars often contain fewer added sugars and no preservatives. You can control the ingredients, making them healthier. Plus, you can add superfoods like seeds and dried fruit for extra nutrition. What is the calorie count for one bar? Each granola bar has about 150 calories. The exact count can change based on your ingredients and portion size. For a more precise number, consider the specific brands you use. Can I add protein powder? Absolutely! You can mix in protein powder to boost the protein content. Start with one scoop and adjust based on your taste. Just remember to increase the wet ingredients slightly to balance it out. How to make them less sweet? Cut down on honey or syrup by one-half. You can also add unsweetened coconut or nuts for flavor without extra sugar. This way, you can enjoy a tasty treat without too much sweetness. You can make delicious granola bars with simple ingredients and easy steps. First, we covered the key items needed and how to prepare your baking pan. Then, I shared tips for mixing, baking, and enhancing flavors. You can even try vegan and gluten-free options. Finally, I explained the best ways to store your bars for freshness. Enjoy your homemade granola bars as a healthy snack or on-the-go treat!$

Looking for a healthy and delicious snack? Try these Nutty Delight Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds, they’re perfect for a quick energy boost. This easy recipe combines almond butter and honey for a tasty treat you'll love. Ready in just 35 minutes, these bars are great for on-the-go snacking.

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon. Mix well.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter, stirring until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated. If using, fold in the dried cranberries or raisins.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (dampened) to pack it tightly.

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

Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Cut into bars or squares.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola bars wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine for a rustic touch. Enjoy them as a healthy snack on the go!