Granola bars Recipe

American · Snack · 40 min total

These homemade granola bars are chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough, making them a perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack. They're easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
2. Spread oats, nuts, and coconut (if using) on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
4. Pour the warm liquid mixture over the toasted oat mixture. Add dried fruit and chocolate chips (if using). Stir until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the bottom of a glass. Press hard to ensure bars hold together.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
7. Once cool, use parchment overhang to lift the slab onto a cutting board. Cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife.

Tips

• For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of flax seeds or chia seeds.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of water.

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