- Nutty Granola Bars

$Making nutty granola bars is simple and requires just a few key ingredients. Here's what you need: - 2 cups rolled oats: These oats form the base. They give the bars a chewy texture and are packed with fiber. - 1 cup mixed nuts: I like to use almonds, walnuts, and pecans. They add crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to chop them roughly for a mix of textures. - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: This acts as a natural sweetener. Honey gives a rich flavor, while maple syrup offers a subtle sweetness. - 1/2 cup nut butter: Choose between peanut or almond butter. Nut butter binds everything together and adds creaminess. - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: This ingredient brings a tropical flavor. It adds chewiness and pairs well with the nuts. - 1/2 cup dried fruits: Use raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots. They add sweetness and chewiness. Choose your favorite for a personal touch. - 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount enhances all the flavors. It balances the sweetness. - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth. It pairs perfectly with the nuts and fruits. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This brings a lovely aroma and flavor to the bars. With these ingredients, you're ready to create tasty nutty granola bars. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to bring this mix to life! 1. Prepping the baking pan First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 2. Mixing the dry ingredients In a large bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats. Then, add 1 cup of mixed nuts. You can choose almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just chop them roughly. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots work well. Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir everything together until well combined. 3. Heating sweeteners and nut butter In a separate bowl, take 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup and 1/2 cup of nut butter. Peanut or almond butter both work great. Warm them together in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or on low heat in a saucepan. Once warm, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and easy to pour. 1. Transferring mixture to the pan Pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything until the dry mix is well coated and sticky. Then, transfer this mixture to your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer. 2. Baking duration and temperature Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. This means they are ready to come out. 3. Cooling and cutting tips Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important! When cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Store your nutty granola bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy making your nutty granola bars with this simple recipe! To get the best texture in your nutty granola bars, you have two options: chewy or crispy. - For chewy bars, use a bit more sweetener. Honey or maple syrup adds moisture. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to keep it dense. - For crispy bars, bake them a bit longer. Let them turn golden brown on the edges. Now, let’s talk about balancing sweetness and nutty flavor. Use a mix of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans all bring their own taste. The nuts should shine through, so don’t overdo the sweetener. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, too. Overbaking is a common mistake. Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. The edges should be golden, but the center can still look soft. If you bake them too long, they will harden too much once cooled. Measuring ingredients accurately is key. Use a scale for nuts and oats. A level measuring cup can help with honey and nut butter. Too much or too little can change the texture and flavor, so pay close attention. Following these tips will help you create perfect nutty granola bars every time. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! {{image_2}} You can mix and match flavors in your nutty granola bars. Try these nut and fruit pairings: - Nuts: Use almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Each adds a unique taste. - Fruits: Add dried cherries, blueberries, or banana chips for a fruity twist. For sweeteners, you can switch honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Each gives a different sweetness and flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This keeps your bars safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For vegan substitutions, replace honey with maple syrup. Choose a plant-based nut butter as well. Almond or cashew butter works well here. Feel free to explore these variations to make the best nutty granola bars for your taste. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To keep your nutty granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming stale or soggy. You can use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. These options work great for storing your bars. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. These bars will last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure you label the bag with the date. If your granola bars lose a bit of their crunch, you can easily restore their texture. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet for about five to ten minutes. This will help them regain their crispness without drying out. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature! How to make nutty granola bars gluten-free? To make nutty granola bars gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may be processed in facilities that handle gluten. Check for a gluten-free label. This change helps keep the bars tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive folks. Can I substitute nut butter? Yes, you can substitute nut butter! Sunflower seed butter works well for nut-free bars. You can also try soy nut butter or pumpkin seed butter. Each will give a unique taste but still stick the bars together. What can I add for extra flavor? For extra flavor, add spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also mix in chocolate chips or a splash of almond extract. Seeds like chia or flax can enhance nutrition too. Dried fruits like figs or dates can bring natural sweetness and chewiness. Caloric content per serving Each serving of these nutty granola bars has about 180 calories. This can vary based on the nuts and sweeteners you use. Protein and fat breakdown These bars provide around 5 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat per serving. The nuts and nut butter contribute healthy fats and protein, making them a great snack option. This blog post covered how to make tasty nutty granola bars. You learned about the best ingredients, like oats and nuts. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you through mixing, baking, and cutting. You also got tips to improve texture and avoid mistakes. Overall, making granola bars is easy and fun. Feel free to try different flavors or dietary changes in your bars. With the right ingredients and steps, you'll enjoy delicious snacks at home. Happy baking!$

Create your own delicious and healthy nutty granola bars with this simple recipe! Packed with oats, mixed nuts, and natural sweeteners, these bars make for the perfect snack or breakfast on the go. Discover step-by-step instructions and pro tips to achieve your desired texture, whether you prefer them chewy or crispy. Dive into the world of homemade snacks and click through to explore the full recipe and make your tasty nutty granola bars today!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

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

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

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

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruits, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine all dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, warm the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter together until they’re easily mixed, either in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the honey/nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated and sticky.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spatula to create an even layer.

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

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting it out using the parchment paper.

Once cool, cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife. Store the granola bars in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars