Description
This Homemade Granola Bars recipe offers a delicious and wholesome snack made with toasted oats, nuts, honey, and optional chocolate chips. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are perfect for a healthy breakfast on-the-go or a satisfying afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Toast Oats and Nuts: Spread the rolled oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Once lightly toasted, remove from oven and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Make Honey Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm honey mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. If desired, add chocolate chips at this stage. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands to create a compact layer.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out the entire slab using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars or squares as desired.
Notes
- For nut allergies, omit nuts or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and a vegan butter substitute.
- Adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can provide extra flavor and texture.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together better.
