Granola bars are a type of snack bar that typically consists of rolled oats, nuts, honey or other sweeteners, and sometimes dried fruits or chocolate chips. These ingredients are often mixed together and pressed into a bar shape, then baked until they hold together. Granola bars are known for their convenience as a quick, on-the-go snack and are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional snack bars due to their higher fiber content and use of natural ingredients.
Granola Bars
4
servings30
minutes20
minutesThey come in various flavors and variations, including those tailored to specific dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan. Granola bars are commonly found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and health food stores.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
1 cup nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
1 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts or seeds, and dried fruits. You can also add any other mix-ins you like, such as chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. This will allow them to firm up.
- Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the granola slab from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of your desired size.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
