Homemade Granola Bar Recipe: Easy and Nutritious

Granola bars are a convenient and nutritious snack that can be easily made at home. This homemade granola bar recipe is packed with healthy ingredients and perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious granola bars.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), chopped
• 1/2 cup seeds (e.g., chia seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins), chopped
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup nut butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter over medium heat until melted and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Pour the honey and nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
5. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly with a spatula to ensure it is evenly packed.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the granola mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
9. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Tips for Customizing Your Granola Bars

One of the great things about homemade granola bars is that they can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• For a protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
• For extra crunch: Include some crispy rice cereal or granola clusters in the mix.
• For a different flavor: Experiment with different nut butters, such as cashew butter or sunflower seed butter.
• For a touch of spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Conclusion

Making your own granola bars at home is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a healthy snack. With this easy recipe, you can create delicious and nutritious granola bars that are perfect for any time of the day. Customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a tasty treat that's both wholesome and satisfying.

For more healthy recipes and snack ideas, visit Food Network.