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To make your easy homemade granola bars, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped These ingredients work together to create a tasty and healthy snack. The rolled oats form the base and give the bars a chewy texture. Mixed nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Seeds provide extra nutrients. Unsweetened coconut flakes give sweetness without added sugar. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. Almond or peanut butter adds richness and helps bind everything. The vanilla extract and cinnamon enhance the flavor. A touch of salt balances the sweetness, while dried fruits add a burst of flavor. For a complete guide on making these delicious bars, check out the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl In a big bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped mixed nuts, 1/2 cup of seeds, and 1/2 cup of coconut flakes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir it all well. This mix gives your granola bars texture and flavor. 3. Melt the wet ingredients and combine In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) and 1/4 cup of almond (or peanut) butter. Heat it on low. Stir until it melts and becomes smooth. Remove it from the heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This sweet mixture will bind your bars. 4. Transfer the mixture to the pan Pour your warm honey-nut mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix it all up until everything gets coated. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits. Now, transfer this thick mix into your prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly using a spatula. It should be firm. 5. Bake and cool the bars Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. When done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift it out. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into bars or squares. Store these snacks in an airtight container for a tasty treat on the go. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and preparation steps above! To get the perfect texture in your granola bars, you need to follow a few key steps. First, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together. If you want chewy bars, bake them for less time. For crunchy bars, bake them until the edges turn golden. Mixing your ingredients is also important. I suggest combining the dry ingredients first. This means oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut. Stir them well before adding the wet mix. When you pour in the honey or maple syrup and nut butter, make sure to coat everything evenly. This ensures each bite has great flavor. If you want to change things up, feel free to swap nuts and seeds. You can use sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds. Try cashews instead of almonds or walnuts. Each nut brings its own taste, making your bars unique. For sweeteners, honey is great, but maple syrup works too. You can use agave syrup for a vegan option. If you like a less sweet bar, reduce the sweetener by a little. Always taste your mixture before baking. Adjust to your preference for the best result. {{image_2}} You can make your granola bars even better with a few fun twists. One great option is to add chocolate chips. Just stir in about half a cup before you press the mixture into the pan. This will give your bars a sweet surprise. You can also use nut butter. Try mixing in almond or peanut butter for a creamier texture and richer taste. Dried fruit is another fun way to change the flavor. You can use raisins or cranberries, but don't stop there! Try apricots, figs, or even goji berries. Each fruit adds its unique taste and texture. By mixing different fruits, your bars will be different every time. If you want vegan options, it's easy! Swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness but makes it plant-based. You can also use almond butter or peanut butter, as they are vegan-friendly. For gluten-free granola bars, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats. Most nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are gluten-free too. You can enjoy these tasty bars without worry. Adjusting for dietary needs does not mean losing flavor. You can enjoy great snacks while sticking to your diet. Make sure to check out the Full Recipe to explore more ideas! To keep your homemade granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep out air. This helps prevent them from getting stale. Your granola bars can last up to one week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. For long-term storage, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. This protects them from freezer burn. You can freeze the bars for up to three months. When you are ready to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. For a quick fix, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your snack anytime! Can I skip the nuts? Yes, you can skip the nuts. Use seeds or extra dried fruit instead. This change keeps the bars tasty and crunchy. Just adjust the amount to keep the texture right. How can I make them chewy instead of crunchy? To make chewy bars, add more nut butter or honey. You can also reduce the baking time. This way, they stay soft and are easier to chew. Are these granola bars healthy? Yes, these granola bars are healthy! They contain oats, nuts, and seeds. These ingredients provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You can also choose to use less sweetener for a healthier option. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars . Making homemade granola bars is simple and fun. We covered the ingredients you'll need, from rolled oats to dried fruits. You learned step-by-step how to mix, bake, and cool your bars. There are also tips for perfect texture and ingredient swaps. Don't forget the variations for flavor and dietary needs! Finally, we discussed the best ways to store your bars. With these easy steps, you can enjoy tasty, healthy snacks anytime. Embrace your creativity and make your granola bars unique. Happy baking!

- Easy Homemade Granola Bars

Indulge in the perfect on-the-go snack with these Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars! Packed full of rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruits, these bars combine nutrition and flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients like honey, almond butter, and coconut flakes, making them is a breeze. Click to explore the full recipe and discover how to create your delicious batch today! Perfect for school lunches or as a mid-day treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

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

1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and almond (or peanut) butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

        Pour the warm honey-nut mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring everything is well coated.

          Gently fold in the dried fruits until evenly distributed.

            Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

                  Once cooled, cut into bars or squares, and store in an airtight container for a delicious on-the-go snack.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars