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- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews) - ¼ cup sunflower seeds - ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips In my experience, the right mix of ingredients is key. Rolled oats form the base, giving the bars a hearty texture. Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup provides sweetness, but you can adjust this to your taste. Chopped mixed nuts bring crunch and flavor, while sunflower seeds add a lovely nutty taste. Dried cranberries or raisins can sweeten each bite. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. If you want a treat, toss in dark chocolate chips. - Calories per serving: About 150 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 4g - Fats: 7g - Carbs: 20g Each serving packs a punch of nutrition. You get healthy fats from nuts and almond butter, plus energy from oats. This makes granola bars a great snack for busy days. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine. 1. In a small saucepan, heat the almond butter and honey over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined. 2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the vanilla extract. Mix it in well. 3. Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir it all together until evenly coated. If you like chocolate, fold in the dark chocolate chips now. 1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly. This helps the bars stick together. 2. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes. Look for golden edges; this means they are done. 3. Let the granola bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper. 4. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing them into bars. For the full recipe, don’t forget to check out the Crunchy Nutty Homemade Granola Bars recipe! To get the best granola bars, it’s key to press the mixture down firmly. This helps the bars hold their shape. When you spread the mixture into the pan, use a spatula to pack it tight. This step is vital if you want chewy bars. For baking, keep an eye on the time. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Look for golden edges. If they are too light, they may crumble. A little golden color means they are just right. Want to add some fun flavors? Think about spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also try adding a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. If you want more sweetness, use different liquids. Agave nectar or maple syrup can change the taste and keep it natural. When it’s time to serve, stack the bars on a nice plate. You can drizzle some extra almond butter or honey on top for flair. For on-the-go snacks, wrap each bar in parchment paper. Tie it with twine for a cute touch. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy anywhere! {{image_2}} When you make homemade granola bars, the options are endless. You can change the nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and add-ins. This makes each batch unique and fun. If you want to switch things up, try using different nuts. Instead of almonds and walnuts, you can use cashews or pecans. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also add seeds like chia seeds or flaxseeds. They boost nutrition and add healthy fats. Chia seeds can help bind the bars, while flaxseeds give a nutty taste. You don’t have to stick with honey or maple syrup. Try using agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead. These sweeteners have different flavors but still work well. Remember to adjust the amount to fit your taste. If you want less sweetness, you can use less sweetener. Just make sure the bars still hold together. Adding fruits or coconut flakes is a great way to customize your bars. Dried fruits like apricots or mangoes add sweetness. Coconut flakes give a tropical twist and chewy texture. You can even add protein powder for an extra boost. This makes your snack more filling and nutritious. Mix and match these options to find your perfect blend. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, use airtight containers. This keeps air out and moisture in. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it allows air to enter. I recommend storing the bars at room temperature. This way, they stay crunchy and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into pieces before freezing. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag for extra protection. To enjoy, just take a bar out and let it thaw on the counter. It takes about an hour to be ready. These bars stay fresh for a week at room temperature. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they last for about three months. Check for any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, before eating. If they look or smell off, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your homemade granola bars! Yes, you can make homemade granola bars gluten-free. Use gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. Always check the labels to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. You can also add gluten-free seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. For added flavor, try using coconut flakes or gluten-free protein powder. Homemade granola bars can last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. They may last up to two weeks in the fridge. Yes, you can use other nut butters. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well. Each nut butter adds its own flavor. Peanut butter gives a strong taste, while cashew butter is milder. Experiment to find which flavor you like best! In this post, we explored making easy granola bars with simple steps and tasty ingredients. From the right mix of oats and nuts to baking tips, you can create your snacks. Remember to try different nuts and sweeteners for your flavor. Store them properly for lasting freshness. With these ideas, you can enjoy healthy snacks any time. Get creative and have fun while making your granola bars!

Homemade Granola Bars

Create your own crunchy nutty homemade granola bars with this easy recipe! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, almond butter, and a delightful mix of nuts and seeds, these bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go. Discover how to whip up these tasty treats in just 30 minutes.Enjoy a healthier, delicious snack today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup almond butter

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

      In a small saucepan, gently heat almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.

        Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. If desired, fold in dark chocolate chips.

          Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly to ensure the bars will hold together.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

              Let the granola bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                  - Presentation Tips: Stack the granola bars on a colorful plate and drizzle with some extra almond butter or honey for a decorative touch. They can be wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine for a perfect on-the-go snack!