Go Back
To make your homemade granola bars, start with these basic ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans), chopped - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients come together to create a tasty and satisfying snack. The oats provide a hearty base. The nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener and binder. Peanut butter gives creaminess and extra flavor. Dark chocolate chips bring a sweet touch, while coconut adds a tropical flair. You can customize your granola bars in many ways. Here are some great options: - ¼ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) - Seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) - Spices (like nutmeg or ginger) - Protein powder for a protein boost Feel free to mix and match these add-ins. They allow you to create a flavor that fits your taste. Each ingredient in these bars has its own health perks: - Rolled oats: Full of fiber, they help with digestion and keep you full. - Mixed nuts: Packed with protein and healthy fats, they support heart health. - Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners provide quick energy and antioxidants. - Peanut butter: A great source of protein, it helps with muscle repair. - Dark chocolate: Contains antioxidants, which can boost mood and health. - Coconut flakes: Provide healthy fats and add some sweetness. By choosing these ingredients, you make a snack that is both tasty and good for you. Enjoy creating your own delicious granola bars with this recipe! Start by gathering all your ingredients. This recipe is simple and quick. You will need rolled oats, nuts, honey, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Feel free to add dried fruits if you like. Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars cook evenly. 2. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 3. Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Combine the oats, chopped nuts, coconut, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine. 4. Melt the wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. 5. Add vanilla to the melted mixture. Stir this in well. 6. Combine wet and dry. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well to coat everything evenly. 7. Fold in chocolate chips and dried fruits if you choose to use them. This adds more flavor and fun. 8. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish. Press it down firmly. Make sure it is even all over. 9. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set middle. This shows they are ready. 10. Cool the bars in the dish for 10 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board to cool completely. 11. Cut into bars. You can cut them into any size you like. Store them in an airtight container. Baking times may vary based on your oven. Check the bars after 20 minutes. They should look golden and firm. If they are still soft, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Enjoy your Nutty Chocolate Bliss Granola Bars! To get the best texture in your granola bars, press the mixture down firmly. This helps the bars hold together well. If you want chewy bars, bake them for less time. For crunchier bars, bake until golden brown. Also, let them cool completely before cutting. This step helps them firm up nicely. One common mistake is using too much liquid. This can make your bars too soft. Make sure to measure your honey or syrup accurately. Another mistake is not mixing well. You want every oat and nut coated with the wet mixture. If you skip this step, the bars may crumble. Spices can make your granola bars pop with flavor. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. You can also use different extracts. Almond extract pairs well with nuts, while coconut extract enhances the coconut flakes. These small changes can take your bars from good to great! For the full recipe, check out the Nutty Chocolate Bliss Granola Bars. {{image_2}} To make vegan granola bars, swap honey for maple syrup. Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. These changes keep the bars plant-based and tasty. You can also add seeds like chia or flax for extra crunch. For gluten-free bars, choose certified gluten-free oats. This ensures no cross-contamination with gluten. You can also use brown rice syrup instead of honey. Always check labels on nut butters and chocolate chips, as some may contain gluten. Granola bars are great for experimenting with flavors. Here are some fun ideas: - Chocolate Coconut: Add extra dark chocolate chips and more coconut flakes. - Cinnamon Apple: Mix in dried apples and a dash more cinnamon. - Peanut Butter Banana: Include banana chips and a bit of mashed ripe banana for moisture. - Maple Pecan: Replace honey with maple syrup and add extra chopped pecans. These variations let you create your perfect granola bar. Feel free to mix and match flavors to suit your taste! To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from making them stale. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will stop them from sticking together. Always keep the bars in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the bars to melt. Homemade granola bars can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. When stored properly, they can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the container with the date. To freeze granola bars, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. When you're ready to eat, just take one out and let it thaw for a few minutes. Enjoy your Nutty Chocolate Bliss Granola Bars anytime! Yes, you can substitute many ingredients. You can use any nuts you like. Almond butter works well if you don’t have peanut butter. For sweeteners, feel free to swap honey for maple syrup. If you’re allergic to nuts, try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also change the chocolate chips to carob chips or leave them out. Dried fruits can be replaced with whatever you enjoy, like figs or dates. Just keep the ratios similar to ensure the bars stick together. To make your granola bars chewy, use more sticky ingredients. Increase the honey or add more nut butter. You can also add mashed bananas or applesauce for moisture. Mixing in fewer dry ingredients can help too. Bake the bars for a shorter time, just until they are set but not hard. This will keep them softer and chewier. If you want a soft texture, avoid overbaking. The best way to cut granola bars is to use a sharp knife. First, let them cool completely on a cutting board. You can score the bars lightly before cutting them. This helps guide the knife. Use a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing the bars. If they stick to the knife, dip it in warm water. This will make cutting easier. Aim for even sizes so they look nice and are easy to grab. - Including the Full Recipe: Nutty Chocolate Bliss Granola Bars 🥜 Homemade granola bars are easy to make and full of good stuff. We covered the main ingredients, different add-ins, and their benefits. Step-by-step instructions guide you in making the perfect bars. I shared tips for great texture and flavor, along with fun variations like vegan options. Storage is key for freshness, and I included details on keeping them tasty. With these insights, you can create your own tasty bars. Enjoy your cooking adventure and let your creativity shine!

Homemade Granola Bars

Craving a tasty and healthy snack? Dive into these quick and easy homemade granola bars that you can customize to your liking! With nuts, oats, honey, and delicious add-ins, these granola bars are perfect for any time of day. Follow the step-by-step guide to create the perfect chewy or crunchy texture. Don't miss out on this delicious treat—click to discover the full recipe and start your granola bar-making adventure today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

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

½ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter

½ cup dark chocolate chips

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Optional: ¼ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, sea salt, and cinnamon.

      In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth and combined.

        Add the vanilla extract to the honey-peanut butter mixture, stirring to incorporate.

          Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

            Fold in the dark chocolate chips and dried fruits (if using).

              Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly into an even layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to compact it tightly.

                Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is set.

                  Remove from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool in the dish for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift them out and place on a cutting board to cool completely.

                    Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size and store in an airtight container. These bars can last up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars neatly in a fun snack box or wrap them in parchment paper secured with twine for a delightful homemade gift.