Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Hey there, fellow snack enthusiast! If you’re on a quest for a homemade treat that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious, these chewy granola bars loaded with nuts, cranberries, and chocolate chips are about to change your snacking game for the better. Let’s dive into this delicious, super simple adventure—trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

I adore creating these Granola Bars from Scratch. I make them by the large batch and keep them on hand for morning meals and between-class snacks.

But if you want to make them in smaller proportions, or if you’re anything like me and keep eating the previous batch until it’s gone, feel free to halve or even quarter the recipe. I’ve done all of that and less.

And trust me. If you have these on hand, you will use them.

I have not yet met a human who will not consume a chocolate chip granola bar.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: Rich in fiber, aids digestion, provides long-lasting energy.
• Almonds: High in protein and healthy fats, supports heart health.
• Pecans: Packed with antioxidants, good for skin and brain function.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, contains antioxidants, boosts energy levels.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart, high in vitamins and fiber.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness, little indulgence in a healthy mix.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make this Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

1. Set your oven to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Take a baking dish that measures 9 by 9 inches (2
2.86 cm by 2
2.86 cm) and line it with parchment paper. The paper should extend beyond the edges of the dish so that you have some slack, which will help you remove the dessert from the dish after it has cooled.

2. Evenly distribute the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and chopped pecans on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated oven and toast for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, unsalted butter, and brown sugar. Stir over low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Then bring to a simmer. When it starts bubbling, let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes and then remove from the heat.

4. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the warm butter mixture.

5. In a big mixing bowl, the toasted oats and nuts join the warm butter mixture. All the dry ingredients get coated well by the stirring.

6. Permit the combination to chill a little, then incorporate the desiccated cranberries and small chocolate fragments.

7. Pour the mix into the baking pan that’s ready and waiting, then press it into a level layer using either a spatula or the back of a spoon; you want it level and you want it even.

8. Refrigerate the pan for a minimum of 2 hours to allow it to set.

9. When the granola has cooled and set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Transfer the granola to a cutting board.

10. Slice into pieces of whatever size and shape you want. Enjoy your tasty DIY granola bars. Or, stash them in an airtight container for later.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×9 inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Baking sheet
5. Medium saucepan
6. Mixing bowl
7. Spatula or spoon
8. Refrigerator
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
11. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?For texture, rolled oats are the best choice, but if quick oats are what you have on hand, they can be used; the resulting granola bar may be softer.
• How long should I bake the granola bars?No baking is required for these granola bars. They are refrigerated until set, which typically takes around 2 hours.
• Can I substitute the nuts with a different type?You may use any nuts you like as a substitute, such as walnuts or cashews. Just ensure that they are chopped; this makes for even distribution.
• Are there substitutions for butter to make it dairy-free?Substituting butter in this recipe is easy if you use the right amount of fat, so try these:
  • Coconut oil. Use a 1-to-1 ratio. Melt the oil before adding it to the recipe.
  • Plant-based butter alternative. Use a 1-to-1 ratio and use the ingredient as you would butter.
• Can I omit the chocolate chips?You can indeed skip the chocolate chips or swap them for another addition, like an increased measure of dried fruit or seeds.
• How should I store the granola bars?Maintain them in a watertight receptacle in the cold storage of your domicile for no longer than a standard seven-day week.
• Is there a way to make these granola bars vegan?Replace the honey with maple syrup and use nondairy butter to create a vegan version of the granola bars.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute quick oats for the rolled oats, and get a slightly different texture in the finished dish.
If you’re looking for a different nutty flavor, use either walnuts or cashews in place of almonds.
Pecans can be replaced with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to add a crunchy texture.
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for the same sweetness.
You can use chopped dried apricots or raisins in place of dried cranberries.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the honey-butter mixture while it simmers. This can add a warm, spiced note to your granola bars.

2. To ensure the chocolate chips don’t melt when mixed, allow the oat and honey mixture to cool slightly more than you think is necessary before adding the cranberries and chocolate chips. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the chocolate chips on top after pressing the mixture into the pan.

3. For a firmer bar, press the mixture firmly into the pan using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass. This compression will help the bars hold their shape better after being cut.

4. Swap out the nuts for other seeds or nuts according to your preference or dietary needs. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts can be great alternatives to almonds and pecans.

5. For an additional protein boost, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds or flax seeds to the dry ingredients before toasting them. They will add texture and nutritional value to the granola bars.