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How To Make The Best Granola Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

These homemade granola bars are delicious, wholesome, and customizable with your favorite add-ins. They combine the natural sweetness of honey with the wholesome texture of rolled oats and whole wheat flour, enhanced by nuts and dried fruits. Perfect for a quick snack, easy breakfast, or on-the-go energy boost, these bars bake to a chewy perfection that can be stored for up to six months in the freezer.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 18 bars

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 4½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat or spelt flour (or all-purpose or gluten free 1:1 flour)
  • 1/4 cup flax seed meal (optional; if not using, add 1/4 cup more flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Add-ins (choose 1 cup total)

  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or whole flaxseeds or hemp seeds)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Oven: Line a 13" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, honey, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, flour, flax seed meal (if using), and baking soda into the wet mixture. Mix until everything is just combined.
  4. Incorporate Add-ins: Fold in your choice of add-ins totaling about 1 cup, such as chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, raisins, or chopped peanuts.
  5. Press Mixture Into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Firmly press it down evenly using your hand (wet to prevent sticking) or the bottom of a greased glass for uniform thickness.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the edges begin to brown lightly.
  7. Cool and Score: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then score into 18 bars (cut 6 x 3) for traditional bar sizes or 16-20 long and narrow bars. Let them cool completely in the pan.
  8. Store: Remove bars from the pan by cutting through the scored lines as needed. Store airtight in containers or bags in the refrigerator or freezer. These bars keep well at room temperature for short periods and freeze perfectly for up to 6 months.

Notes

  • Wetting your hand or the pressing tool makes spreading the mixture easier and prevents sticking.
  • Customize the add-ins according to your preference or dietary needs.
  • If you omit flax seed meal, increase flour by 1/4 cup to maintain texture.
  • These bars are ideal for on-the-go snacks, hiking, or quick breakfasts.
  • Freezing the bars extends their shelf life up to 6 months without loss of flavor or texture.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/how-to-make-the-best-granola-bars-recipe/