Homemade Granola Bars
Try this Homemade Granola Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Homemade Granola Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3 cups of organic oatmeal (i used gluten free)
- 1/2 cup organic peanut butter (or a substitute like almond butter or sunflower seed butter)
- 1/2 cup raw honey or grade b maple syrup or 1/4 cup of each
- 1 cup seeds nuts or a combination (try pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts)
- 1 cup organic unsweetened and sulfur-free dried fruit (a raisins, cranberries, pumpkin, strawberries, kiwi, dates, figs etc.)
- apricot-ginger: 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup raisins, 1 tablespoon candied ginger, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 cup mixed seeds.
- traditional: 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup almonds.
- tropical: 1/2 cup grated coconut 1/4 cup dried pineapple, 1/4 cup dried mango, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup crushed macadamia nuts, 1/4 cup ground flax seed.
- apple-pie: 1/2 cup chopped dried apple 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup flax seed, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- dessert bar: 1/2 cup fair trade chocolate chips 1/2 cup grated coconut, 1/2 cup peanuts, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup flax seed.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Pour the oats into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the fruit, nuts, seeds etc.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter (or substitute) and honey. Mix well, until combined and creamy.
- Drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, and stir until combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, letting the edges of the paper extend beyond the sides of the pan.
- Dump the granola mixture onto the parchment lined pan, and press the granola firmly down, in about a ½ inch thick layer. Smooth the top.
- Chill the bars for ½ hour in the fridge.
- Bake bars for ½ hour at 200 degrees (this step is optional, but will help your granola bars hold together and be less sticky. You can also cut them and put them in a food dehydrator overnight, or just keep them chilled and eat them raw.)
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the edges of the parchment paper.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into bar shapes.
- Reuse the parchment paper to wrap the finished bars.
- To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container if you won't be using them soon.
Homemade Granola Bars: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
As a busy mom of two, juggling work, school runs, and everything in between, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious snacks feels like a mission impossible. But let me tell you, my secret weapon isn't some fancy store-bought treat; it's my homemade granola bars. These aren't your average, overly sweet, processed granola bars. These are packed with wholesome ingredients, customizable to my family's preferences, and surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, even on my busiest days, I can whip up a batch in under an hour.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I love experimenting with different flavor combinations, catering to everyone's taste buds. My kids are crazy about the tropical version—a burst of sunshine with coconut, pineapple, and mango. My husband prefers the classic combination of raisins, cranberries, and nuts. And I secretly enjoy the decadent dessert bar version with chocolate chips and coconut – a little indulgence never hurts! You can adapt this recipe using whatever fruits, nuts, and seeds you have on hand. It’s all about getting creative and having fun in the kitchen.
Why Homemade Granola Bars are a Game Changer:
Control over Ingredients: Let's be honest, reading ingredient lists on store-bought granola bars can be daunting. Hidden sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives are often lurking. Making your own gives you complete control, ensuring that only wholesome, natural ingredients make it into your family's snacks.
Cost-Effective: In the long run, making your own granola bars is much more affordable than buying them regularly. You'll be surprised how far your ingredients go, saving you money without compromising on quality.
Time-Saving (Yes, Really!): Once you get the hang of it, the whole process becomes incredibly efficient. I often make a large batch on the weekend and store them in airtight containers for the week. This eliminates the daily struggle of finding a healthy and convenient snack for everyone.
Fun Family Activity: Involving my children in the process has become a cherished activity. They love choosing their favorite ingredients, measuring, and mixing. It's a fantastic way to teach them about healthy eating habits and the joys of cooking.
Perfect for Gifting: These granola bars make thoughtful and delicious gifts for friends, family, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat. Just package them beautifully, and you've got a present that's both personal and tasty.
Beyond the practical aspects, making these granola bars is simply enjoyable. It’s a small act of self-care in a hectic world, a moment to connect with my family, and a chance to nourish our bodies with something truly good.
Ingredient Variations:
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini work beautifully.
- Sweetener Options: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a combination of honey and maple syrup can be used.
- Fruit and Nut Combinations: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with dried cherries, apricots, blueberries, pecans, walnuts, cashews, and more.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick.
- Chocolate Lovers Rejoice! Dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate these bars to a whole new level.
So, are you ready to ditch the store-bought granola bars and embrace the joy of homemade goodness? Give this recipe a try, and let your taste buds (and your family) thank you!
