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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped if large - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt The main ingredients set the base for your granola bars. Rolled oats give the bars their chewy texture. Mixed nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup acts as a binder and sweetens the bars. In the additional ingredients, creamy peanut butter or almond butter boosts flavor and adds richness. Dried fruits bring natural sweetness and chewiness. Sunflower seeds add more crunch and nutrition. Flavor enhancers, like vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, lift the taste. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. These ingredients work together to make tasty granola bars. For the full recipe, see the Nutty Delight Granola Bars section. Enjoy making a snack that is easy and fun! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking dish. - Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. First, you need to get your oven ready. Set it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a baking dish. I recommend using an 8x8-inch dish. Line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of mixed nuts, and 1/2 cup of dried fruit. I love using cranberries or apricots. Stir in 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined. - Warm honey and nut butter in a saucepan. - Mix the warm mixture with dry ingredients. Now, let’s move to the cooking part. In a small saucepan, gently warm 1/2 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Use low heat. Stir continuously until they melt together. Once smooth, take it off the heat. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. Pour this warm mixture over your dry ingredients. This part is fun! Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything. You want all the dry ingredients to be coated in the sticky mixture. - Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake. - Allow bars to cool and cut into desired sizes. Now, it’s time to bake! Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly. Make it even. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the edges to turn golden brown. Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift the granola out using the parchment paper. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. After it cools, use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares of your choice. For the full recipe, check below! To make great granola bars, mix all the ingredients well. This step ensures that every bite is tasty. If you don’t mix enough, some bars may be dry. While baking, keep a close eye on them. They can go from golden to burnt quickly. Baking times may vary based on your oven, so trust your eyes. To make your granola bars look nice, arrange them on a serving platter. You can add extra chopped nuts or dried fruit on top for flair. If you want to gift them, wrap each bar in parchment paper. Tie them with a string for a personal touch. These little details can impress your friends and family. You can make these bars even healthier. Try using sugar-free syrup or natural sweeteners like agave. If you need nut-free bars, swap nut butter for sunbutter. This change keeps the bars safe for those with allergies. You can enjoy granola bars without worry, while still keeping the flavor! For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can make no-bake granola bars if you want a quicker option. Just mix the dry and wet ingredients, then chill until firm. This method saves time and energy. For vegan granola bars, use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also swap out the nut butter for sunflower seed butter to keep it plant-based. Adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes can elevate your bars. The sweetness of chocolate pairs well with oats. Coconut adds a tropical twist that many love. You can also play with different nuts and dried fruits. Try cashews and mango for a sweet combo. Or use hazelnuts and cherries for a unique flavor. To make crunchy bars, add puffed rice or quinoa. These ingredients will give your bars a satisfying crunch. If you prefer chewy bars, adjust the nut butter and syrup ratio. Increase the nut butter for more chewiness. This small change can make a big difference in texture. Store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them at room temperature or in the fridge. Both options work well, but the fridge can help them last longer. You should eat the bars within one week if they sit at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they will stay fresh for a bit longer. This way, you can enjoy your snack without worry. For even longer storage, freeze the granola bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To eat, just thaw them before serving. This way, you can enjoy a homemade snack anytime! How long do homemade granola bars last? Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They can stay good for up to two weeks there. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. This keeps the bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients are gluten-free too. Can I substitute honey with agave syrup? Yes, you can use agave syrup instead of honey. Both sweeteners work well in this recipe. Agave syrup is a good choice for vegan bars since it comes from a plant. Keep in mind that agave is sweeter, so you might need less. What can I use instead of nuts for allergies? If you have nut allergies, try using seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great options. You can also use puffed rice or oats to add crunch without nuts. Be sure to check that any dried fruit used is nut-free as well. How can I make these bars chewy instead of crunchy? To make chewy bars, increase the amount of nut butter and sweetener. This will add moisture and keep them soft. Avoid baking them too long, as this can make them crunchy. Aim for a light golden color when they come out of the oven. What's the best way to cut granola bars without them crumbling? To cut granola bars without crumbling, let them cool completely first. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. You can also lightly grease the knife or use a serrated knife for better results. Press down firmly but gently as you cut. You can make delicious granola bars with simple ingredients and steps. We covered the key components, from oats and nuts to sweeteners and flavor boosters. You also learned cooking tips and variations like no-bake and vegan options. Store your bars properly to keep them fresh and enjoy them longer. Get creative with flavors and textures! With these tips, you can easily impress family and friends or enjoy a healthy snack yourself. Cooking doesn't have to be hard; it's fun and rewarding!

Easy Homemade Granola Bars

Satisfy your snack cravings with these delicious Nutty Delight Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, mixed nuts, and honey, this easy recipe makes for a perfect on-the-go treat. Discover the step-by-step guide to create these tasty bars in just 35 minutes. Elevate your snack game and enjoy a healthy boost anytime. Click through to explore the full recipe and get inspired to make your own!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans), roughly chopped

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter

1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped if large

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that some paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and evenly distributed.

      In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) and creamy peanut butter over low heat. Stir continuously until both ingredients are melted and combined into a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

        Carefully pour the warm nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are uniformly coated with the sticky mixture.

          Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, firmly press the mixture into the dish to create an even layer. If your hands are sticking, dampen them slightly with water to assist in pressing.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, watching closely as the edges turn golden brown. Monitor carefully to prevent them from burning.

              Once baked, remove the granola bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Once the bars are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars or squares of your desired size.

                  Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or keep them in the refrigerator for extended freshness.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful display, arrange the granola bars neatly on a serving platter. Sprinkle extra chopped nuts and dried fruit on top for added appeal. Consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and tying them with a string for a charming homemade gift option!