Homemade Granola Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of your bars. The rolled oats serve as the base. Almonds and walnuts add crunch and protein. Sunflower seeds provide healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweetener and binder. Almond butter gives a creamy texture. Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt enhance the overall taste. If you use dried fruit, it adds sweetness and chewiness. You can swap almonds and walnuts for other nuts like pecans or cashews. For nut-free bars, try pumpkin seeds or extra sunflower seeds. If you want a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also add dark chocolate chips for a tasty twist. Adjust the spices to your liking; nutmeg or ginger can add unique flavors. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats. Next, toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped almonds. Then, add 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix all these dry ingredients well. Make sure they are evenly combined. In a small saucepan, pour in 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Add 1/4 cup of almond butter to the pan. Heat these over low heat. Stir non-stop until both ingredients melt and blend smoothly. Once melted, take it off the heat. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will enhance the taste. Now, pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly. Make sure the dry ingredients are well coated. If you want, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. This adds a nice touch of sweetness. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Make it an even layer. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown. When done, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a cutting board and cut into individual bars or squares. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To get the right texture for your granola bars, start by pressing the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps them hold together well. If you like chewy bars, keep the baking time short. For a crunchier texture, bake them a bit longer. Letting them cool completely in the pan is key too. It helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. You can easily boost the flavor of your granola bars. Try adding different nuts or seeds that you enjoy. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique taste. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can give an extra kick. You can also toss in some dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Just remember, balance is key! Avoid using too much liquid in your mixture. This can make your bars too soft. Also, don’t skip the salt! It enhances all the flavors. Another mistake is not letting the bars cool completely. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. Lastly, be careful not to overbake. Watch them closely for that golden edge, as this means they are done. {{image_4}} You can mix and match flavors in your granola bars. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also use coconut flakes for a tropical vibe. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some ginger. Each option brings a new taste to your bars. Making these bars vegan is easy. Just swap honey for maple syrup. For gluten-free options, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks without worry. Boost the nutrition by adding seeds or nuts. Chia seeds add fiber and omega-3s. Pumpkin seeds give a crunch and are packed with nutrients. You can also use protein powder for an extra protein boost. These add-ins make your bars even healthier and more filling. For the full recipe, check out the Nutty Delight Granola Bars! To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cabinet works well. When stored properly, homemade granola bars can last up to one week. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them out. Always check before enjoying your snack. You can freeze granola bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy snack anytime! To cut granola bars, first let them cool fully. After cooling, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Cut into rectangles or squares. For easier cutting, run the knife under hot water before slicing. Yes, you can make these granola bars without nuts. Just skip the almonds and walnuts. Replace them with more seeds or oats. You can also add ingredients like coconut or dried fruits for texture. These changes will still give you tasty bars. Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks there. If you freeze them, they last for three months. You can use maple syrup instead of honey. Agave nectar is another great choice. Both options provide sweetness and moisture. You can also try brown rice syrup for a different flavor. Each alternative may change the taste a bit. If you want to try making these yourself, check out the Full Recipe for Nutty Delight Granola Bars. It’s simple and full of flavor! You learned how to make tasty granola bars with simple steps. We covered ingredients, measurements, and fun mix-ins. You now know how to store them well, too. With the right tips, you can avoid common mistakes. Feel free to try new flavors and adjust for diet needs. Have fun making these bars your own. Enjoy snacking on your delicious creation!$

Indulge in a healthy snack with these Nutty Delight Granola Bars! Packed with rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, this recipe is perfect for a nutritious boost any time of day. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these homemade bars combine honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of paper hanging over the edges to make it easier to lift the bars out later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until well mixed and the dry ingredients are evenly dispersed.

In a small saucepan, heat the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter over low heat. Stir continuously until both ingredients have melted together and formed a smooth mixture. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor.

Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring all the dry ingredients are evenly coated in the sticky mixture. If you decided to include them, gently fold in the dried cranberries or raisins at this stage.

Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or moistened hands, firmly press the mixture down to create a compact and even layer in the pan.

Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the mixture is set.

Once baked, allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then place on a cutting board. Cut into individual bars or squares as desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: For a charming rustic presentation, wrap each granola bar in parchment paper and tie them with twine. These bars make for a delightful, healthy snack option that's perfect for on-the-go enjoyment!