Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars are crunchy, chewy, and customizable, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar Can be adjusted based on sweetness preference.
- 1/4 cup flaked sweetened coconut Optional, can replace with more nuts if preferred.
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped nuts Walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or raisins Choose based on personal preference.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for richness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil Can substitute with coconut oil for flavor.
- 1/3 cup honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a 9-inch x 9-inch (22 cm x 22 cm) square pan with two criss-crossed sheets of parchment paper, leaving some overhang on all sides.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flaked coconut, and your choice of nuts and dried fruit.
- In a measuring cup, combine the honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the honey mixture into the oat mixture and stir until it’s well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking pan to pack it down.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool completely in the pan.
- Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Consider adding seeds for extra nutrition.