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To make delicious homemade granola bars, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt Rolled oats serve as the base for your bars. They provide fiber and energy. Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Mixed nuts and seeds add a crunch and healthy fats. Use your favorite nuts. They bring flavor and nutrients. Sweeteners and nut butter bind the bars together. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Nut butter gives creaminess and flavor. Dried fruits add natural sweetness and chewiness. Cranberries, apricots, or raisins work well. You can mix them based on your taste. These ingredients come together to create tasty granola bars. You can customize them with different nuts or fruits. Check the Full Recipe for exact measurements and steps! 1. Preheat your oven. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the granola bars bake evenly. 2. Prepare your baking dish. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. 3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of mixed nuts, and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. Add 1/2 cup of dried fruits, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix everything. 4. Combine the wet ingredients. In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of nut butter over low heat. Stir until it melts and is smooth. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 5. Pour the mixture. Carefully pour the melted honey and nut butter over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently until all the dry ingredients are coated. 6. Press the mixture. Transfer the mixture into your lined baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Make sure it is even and tightly packed. 7. Bake the bars. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. 8. Cool and cut. After baking, take the dish out and let it cool for about 1 hour. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the granola out. Slice into bars or squares. 9. Store your bars. Keep the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. These steps will help you create delicious homemade granola bars. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. Enjoy your healthy snack! To make the best granola bars, pay close attention to your ingredient ratios. Each ingredient plays a key role. The oats give structure, while nuts add crunch. Sweeteners help bind everything together. Use the right mix for the best texture and taste. Next, pressing the mixture tightly is crucial. When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, use your hands or a spatula to pack it down firmly. This helps the bars hold their shape after baking. If you don't press it enough, your bars may crumble. While baking, keep an eye on the time and temperature. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. If you bake them for too long, they can get hard. If you're unsure, take them out when they look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. Enjoy crafting your perfect homemade granola bars! {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. Here are some fun ideas: - Vegan alternatives for sweeteners and nut butter: If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey. Choose almond or cashew butter for your nut butter. Both options work well and taste great! - Gluten-free options and ingredient substitutes: For gluten-free bars, make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. You can swap out nuts or seeds for your favorites. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch. - Flavor variations: adding spices or chocolate: Want to spice things up? Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also fold in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a sweet touch. These small changes can make your granola bars unique and tasty. Remember, these variations allow you to enjoy flavors that you love. You can mix and match to create your perfect granola bar. The Full Recipe serves as a great base for all these fun ideas! To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. This method prevents air and moisture from ruining the bars. - Room Temperature: You can store them at room temperature for up to one week. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place. - Refrigerated: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. This can extend their shelf life to about two weeks. If you plan to keep them for even longer, freezing is a great option. - Freezing Tips: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy. By following these tips, you can savor your nutty delight granola bars any time! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Can I make granola bars without nut butter? Yes, you can. If you want to skip nut butter, use mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. These options add moisture and help bind the mixture together. You can also use seed butter, like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter, for a nut-free choice. What are some alternatives to honey in granola bars? Maple syrup is a great substitute for honey. Other options include agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even date syrup. Each sweetener has its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment with what you like best. How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions? For gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats and seeds. If you're vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based butter. You can also replace any nuts with seeds if you have nut allergies. Just make sure to keep the ratios similar in the recipe. For the full recipe, check out the Nutty Delight Granola Bars section above. Homemade granola bars are simple and fun to make. You need basic ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Follow the easy steps for a tasty treat. Remember to adjust ratios and press the mixture well for the best result. Feel free to experiment with vegan options and unique flavors. Store your bars properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious, healthy snacks anytime. Get creative and share your own spin on this recipe!

Homemade Granola Bars

Looking for a healthy snack that's delicious and easy to make? Try these Nutty Delight Granola Bars! Packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these bars offer the perfect blend of flavors and textures. With simple steps and just 15 minutes of prep time, you'll have a wholesome treat ready to go!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), coarsely chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)

1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some excess paper hanging over the edges for easy retrieval later on.

    In a large mixing bowl, blend together the rolled oats, coarsely chopped mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

      In a small saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup) with the nut butter over low heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it melts and becomes smooth. Once combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the vanilla extract.

        Carefully pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over the blended dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and all dry ingredients are nicely coated.

          Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Using a spatula or lightly greased hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish to ensure it binds together when baked.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.

              Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift the granola out of the dish once set.

                After cooling, slice into bars or squares of your preferred size.

                  Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate to maintain freshness for a longer duration.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For a charming rustic presentation, wrap each granola bar in parchment paper and secure it with twine. Alternatively, place them in a mason jar to create a visually appealing display. These granola bars are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or a wholesome snack at any time!