Description
These Homemade Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack packed with rolled oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness from honey and brown sugar. Toasting the oats and nuts enhances their flavor, and the optional chocolate chips add a delightful finish. Perfect for an energizing breakfast or a convenient on-the-go treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Toast Oats and Nuts: Spread the oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Sweet Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble, stirring occasionally. Then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the honey mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Add chocolate chips if desired. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly to compact the mixture into a solid layer.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely on a wire rack. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares or bars of your preferred size.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, you can add 1/4 cup of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries along with the chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together well.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to customize nuts and sweeteners to suit your dietary preferences.
