Easy Homemade Granola Bar Recipes

Craving a Crunchy, Nutritious Snack? Try These Easy Homemade Granola Bar Recipes!

Who doesn't love a good granola bar? They're perfect for a quick breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or a post-workout boost. But store-bought bars can be packed with sugar and preservatives. So, why not make your own easy homemade granola bar recipes? They're healthier, cheaper, and you can customize them to your heart's desire. Let's dive in!

Why Make Your Own Granola Bars?

Before we get to the recipes, let's talk about why you should consider making your own granola bars.

• Healthier: You control the ingredients. No more hidden sugars or mystery preservatives.
• Customizable: Don't like nuts? Swap them out for seeds. Vegan? Use maple syrup instead of honey. The possibilities are endless.
• Cost-effective: A batch of homemade granola bars costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the store.
• Fun: Baking can be therapeutic. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars

Let's start with a no-bake granola bar recipe. These are perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cereal, and ground flaxseed.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
6. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (if using) and press them gently into the surface.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Classic Easy Granola Bar Recipe

Now, let's try a classic easy granola bar recipe that requires baking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Vegan and Nut-Free Granola Bar Recipe

Here's a nut-free granola bar recipe that's also vegan-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce, maple syrup, sunflower seed butter, vanilla, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips for Making the Perfect Granola Bars

• Press firmly: The more you press the mixture into the pan, the better the bars will hold together.
• Let them cool: Be patient. Cutting into the bars before they're completely cool can lead to crumbly bars.
• Store properly: Keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Inspiration from the Pros

If you're looking for more easy granola recipes, check out Allrecipes for a wide variety of granola and granola bar recipes.

Conclusion

Making your own easy homemade granola bar recipes is a fun, rewarding, and delicious way to ensure you have a healthy, tasty snack on hand. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!

FAQs

1. Q: Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned oats? A: Yes, but the bars may not hold together as well.

2. Q: Can I make these granola bars gluten-free? A: Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.

3. Q: How can I make these granola bars more portable? A: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.

4. Q: Can I freeze these granola bars? A: Yes, they'll keep for up to three months in the freezer.

5. Q: Can I use different sweeteners? A: Yes, you can try using coconut sugar, agave nectar, or even dates blended into a paste. Just adjust the consistency with a bit more liquid or a bit less oats.

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