ere’s a simple recipe to make delicious homemade granola bars:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup nuts/seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for added sweetness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment hanging over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Toast the Dry Ingredients: Spread the oats and nuts/seeds on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden. This step enhances the flavor.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, dried fruit, and any optional ingredients like chocolate chips. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into an even layer. Packing it tightly helps the bars hold together.
  6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm.
  7. Cut into Bars: Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares.

Storage:

  • Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Let me know if you’d like tips for customizing them!

Image from Wikipedia