Looking for a homemade granola bars recipe that is easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious? Look no further! These chewy granola bars are the perfect on-the-go snack and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you prefer oatmeal granola bars or gluten-free granola bars, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Our easy granola bars recipe requires only 7 basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. All you need is natural peanut or cashew butter, whole rolled oats, honey, vanilla extract, sea salt, pepitas or crushed peanuts or cashews, and mini chocolate chips. These wholesome ingredients come together to create a treat that is both convenient and nutritious.
Not only are these granola bars incredibly delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different mix-ins like shredded unsweetened coconut, chopped dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds to add extra flavor and texture. Plus, they are no-bake granola bars, which means you can enjoy them in no time without turning on the oven!
To make these homemade granola bars, simply stir together the wet ingredients, fold in the dry ingredients, press the mixture into a baking pan, and chill before slicing into bars. You can store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy snack whenever you need it.
So why settle for store-bought granola bars when you can make your own? Try this simple granola bars recipe today and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious and healthy snack from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you!
Key Takeaways:
- Homemade granola bars are a delicious and convenient snack option.
- This easy granola bars recipe requires just 7 basic ingredients.
- You can customize these chewy granola bars with different mix-ins like coconut and dried cranberries.
- These no-bake granola bars can be stored in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy snacking.
- Making your own granola bars allows you to control the ingredients and create a nutritious snack.
Ingredients for Granola Bars
Are you ready to gather the essential ingredients to make delicious homemade granola bars? You’ll be delighted to know that this recipe only requires 7 basic ingredients, allowing you to whip up these wholesome treats in no time.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural peanut or cashew butter | A rich and creamy nut butter that adds a nutty flavor and healthy fats to the bars. |
| Whole rolled oats (certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions) | Nutritious and fiber-rich oats that provide a chewy texture to the granola bars. |
| Honey | A natural sweetener that helps bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of sweetness. |
| Vanilla extract | A flavor enhancer that adds a pleasant aroma and depth to the bars. |
| Sea salt | A pinch of sea salt for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste. |
| Pepitas, crushed peanuts, or cashews | These ingredients provide a delightful crunch and additional protein to the granola bars. |
| Mini chocolate chips | A sweet indulgence that adds a burst of chocolatey goodness to the bars. |
With a combination of protein-rich nut butter, fiber-loaded oats, natural sweeteners, and a hint of chocolate, these granola bars are both nutritious and satisfying. These wholesome ingredients ensure you can enjoy a guilt-free snack that fuels your body with energy and vitality.
Next, let’s move on to Section 3: How to Make Granola Bars to discover the step-by-step process of bringing these delightful bars to life.
How to Make Granola Bars
Making homemade granola bars is a simple and straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a nutritious and delicious snack at any time. Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of granola bars:
Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup natural cashew or peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups whole rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cashew or peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Mix until the honey is fully incorporated.
- Add the oats, chocolate chips, and pepitas to the bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the granola mixture into the pan and press it evenly using your hands and a measuring cup.
- Place the pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least one hour to allow the bars to set.
- Once chilled, remove the pan from the fridge and use a sharp knife to slice the mixture into granola bars of your desired size.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh and ready for snacking.
Enjoy your homemade granola bars as a quick breakfast, on-the-go snack, or pre-workout fuel!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup natural cashew or peanut butter | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cashew or peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Mix until the honey is fully incorporated. |
| 1/2 cup honey | Add the oats, chocolate chips, and pepitas to the bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined. |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the granola mixture into the pan and press it evenly using your hands and a measuring cup. |
| 1/4 teaspoon sea salt | Place the pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least one hour to allow the bars to set. |
| 2 cups whole rolled oats | Once chilled, remove the pan from the fridge and use a sharp knife to slice the mixture into granola bars of your desired size. |
| 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips | Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh and ready for snacking. |
| 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) |
Tips for Making Granola Bars
When it comes to making delicious and nutritious granola bars, a few tips can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned granola bar maker or trying your hand at it for the first time, these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Use Runny Nut Butter
For better binding and enhanced flavor, opt for runny nut butter when making granola bars. Cashew or peanut butter works great and adds a delightful taste to the bars. The runnier consistency helps ensure that the ingredients stick together nicely.
2. Don't Rush the Chilling Time
Chilling the granola bars is a crucial step in achieving a chewy and cohesive texture. Don’t be tempted to cut the chilling time short or skip it altogether. Give the bars ample time to cool and set in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
3. Store in the Fridge or Freezer
To maintain the freshness and prevent the granola bars from sticking together, store them in the fridge or freezer. This helps prolong their shelf life and ensures they remain intact when you’re ready to enjoy them on the go.
4. Get Creative with Mix-Ins
While the basic granola bar recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Add shredded coconut, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or other favorites to customize your bars. Just be mindful of the size and proportions to maintain the integrity and texture of the bars.
5. Make it Vegan with Brown Rice Syrup
If you follow a vegan diet or prefer to avoid honey, you can easily make vegan granola bars by substituting brown rice syrup for honey. This swap ensures your bars remain naturally sweet and are suitable for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to create mouthwatering granola bars that are perfect for a quick snack or an energy boost during the day. Have fun experimenting with flavors and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own nutritious bars at home!
Homemade Granola Bars Variations
The granola bars recipe can be easily customized with different mix-ins to create variations. Adding a variety of ingredients not only adds flavor but also increases the nutrient content of the bars. Here are some ideas for mix-ins to inspire your creativity:
- Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: This tropical twist adds a hint of sweetness and a satisfying chew to the granola bars.
- Chopped Dried Cranberries: Tart and tangy dried cranberries provide a burst of fruity flavor and a pleasant chewy texture.
- Sunflower Seeds: These crunchy seeds are packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, adding a delightful crunch to the bars.
- Dried Currants: These tiny, sweet dried berries offer a burst of flavor and a chewy bite to the granola bars.
- Pistachios: The vibrant green color and distinct nutty flavor of pistachios make them an appealing addition to the bars.
When incorporating mix-ins into your granola bars recipe, it’s important to chop any dried fruits or nuts into small pieces. This ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the bars and do not interfere with their structural integrity. It’s also crucial to maintain the ratios of the original recipe to ensure the bars hold together properly.
If you’re looking for vegan variations, you can easily adapt the recipe by substituting brown rice syrup for honey. Additionally, instead of shaping the mixture into bars, you can roll it into energy balls for a portable and bite-sized snack option.
Conclusion
Homemade granola bars are a delicious and convenient snack option that can be made with wholesome ingredients. With this easy recipe, you have the freedom to customize your granola bars with different mix-ins, allowing you to create a snack that perfectly suits your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy chewy or crunchy bars, this granola bars recipe offers a versatile and healthy option for on-the-go snacking.
By making your own granola bars, you have control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring you are fueling your body with nourishing and nutritious snacks. Plus, the process of creating these homemade granola bars is incredibly satisfying, giving you the opportunity to indulge in the joy of homemade treats.
Don’t settle for store-bought granola bars that may be packed with preservatives and unwanted additives. Instead, take a little time to prepare a batch of these homemade granola bars. You’ll not only enjoy the taste and texture, but you’ll also appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what goes into your snacks.
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed for the granola bars recipe?
The basic ingredients for the granola bars recipe include natural peanut or cashew butter, whole rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed), honey, vanilla extract, sea salt, pepitas or crushed peanuts or cashews, and mini chocolate chips.
Can I customize the granola bars with different mix-ins?
Yes, you can customize the granola bars with different mix-ins like shredded unsweetened coconut, chopped dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, dried currants, and pistachios. Just make sure to maintain the ratios in the original recipe to ensure the bars hold together properly.
How do I make granola bars?
To make granola bars, start by stirring together the wet ingredientsâcashew or peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Then, fold in the dry ingredientsâoats, chocolate chips, and pepitas. Press the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, chill in the fridge for an hour, and then slice into bars.
What are some tips for making granola bars?
Here are some tips for making granola bars: 1) Use runny nut butter for better binding and flavor. 2) Do not cut the chilling time short as it is crucial for achieving a chewy and cohesive texture. 3) Store the bars in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together. 4) Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, but be mindful of their size and proportions. 5) To make vegan granola bars, substitute brown rice syrup for honey.
How can I create variations with homemade granola bars?
You can create variations with homemade granola bars by using different mix-ins like shredded unsweetened coconut, chopped dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, dried currants, and pistachios. You can also make vegan variations by substituting brown rice syrup for honey and rolling the mixture into energy balls instead of bars.
Are homemade granola bars a healthy snack option?
Yes, homemade granola bars made with wholesome ingredients can be a healthy snack option. They provide protein, healthy fats, and are customizable with different mix-ins.
