Granola Bars
These easy homemade granola bars offer a satisfying mix of chewy and crunchy textures, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1.75 cups old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking oats Provides a hearty base
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt Enhances overall taste
- 2 cups mix-ins (nuts, seeds, chocolate, shredded coconut or dried fruit) Adds texture and variety
Binding Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter Binds the ingredients and adds creaminess
- 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup Provides sweetness and moisture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering the oats in a large mixing bowl, then mix in the ground cinnamon and fine sea salt.
- Add your choice of mix-ins to the oat mixture and stir everything together thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter or almond butter with honey or maple syrup until well blended.
- Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture into the mixing bowl with oats and fold gently.
- Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and transfer the oat mixture, pressing it down firmly.
Chilling and Cutting
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour to set.
- Lift the granola mixture out using the parchment paper and slice into bars.
Storage
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container, keeping them at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer freshness.
Notes
For best results, press the mixture firmly and allow full chilling time. Experiment with mix-ins to suit your taste.