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Crispy and Crunchy Homemade Granola Bars: A Snack You’ll Love

Granola bars are the perfect on-the-go snack, combining health and taste in a delightful package. These homemade granola bars are crispy, crunchy, and incredibly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they make a great snack for kids and adults alike, whether at school, work, or during outdoor adventures.

With a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, these bars are sure to become your new favorite treat!

  • Visual Appeal: The golden-brown color of these granola bars, speckled with nuts and dried fruits, makes them visually enticing.
  • Perfect Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a cup of yogurt or alongside a smoothie for a balanced snack.
  • Occasions to Serve: Great for lunchboxes, picnics, hiking trips, or as a quick breakfast option.

Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 180 calories per bar

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g

Cook and Prep Times

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Granola Bars

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice), chopped
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed)
  • ½ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated and combined. Fold in the dried fruits.
  5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly using a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture evenly.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  7. Cool and Cut: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the granola out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into bars or squares.

Tips for Perfect Granola Bars

  • For extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts in the oven for a few minutes before mixing.
  • Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences—add seeds, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
  • Ensure the mixture is packed tightly in the pan; this helps the bars hold together.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Bars Crumbling: If your bars crumble, try adding more nut butter or honey to help bind the ingredients together.
  • Too Chewy: If the bars are too chewy, increase the baking time slightly to ensure they firm up.
  • Sticking to the Pan: Always line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Quick oats can be used, but they may result in a softer texture.
  2. How should I store leftover granola bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  3. Can I freeze these granola bars? Yes! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
  4. What can I substitute for nut butter? Sunflower seed butter or coconut oil can be good alternatives for nut allergies.
  5. Can I add protein powder? Yes, you can add protein powder to boost the protein content, adjusting the wet ingredients as necessary.

Conclusion

These crispy and crunchy homemade granola bars are not only delicious but also a healthy snack option that you can customize to your liking. Easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack, these bars will keep you satisfied and energized. So gather your ingredients and start making your new favorite snack today!

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