Are you looking for a nutritious and convenient snack option to have on hand for those busy days ahead? Look no further than our Healthy Homemade Granola Bars! These delicious bars are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go or a satisfying midday pick-me-up, these granola bars are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are meal prep-friendly and sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Healthy Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients:
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
– 1/4 cup seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
– 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and cinnamon. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey or maple syrup with the nut butter, stirring until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Add the salt and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Gently fold in the dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
9. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into desired-size bars using a sharp knife.
10. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.
These Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are a fantastic snack option that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you fueled throughout your day. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Meal prepping a batch of these bars ahead of time will save you precious moments during those hectic mornings or alleviate the temptation of grabbing less nutritious snacks on the go. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your snack with these wholesome granola bars.
