Stop Buying These at the Store!
How to Make Granola Bars at Home
In the bustling aisles of grocery stores, amidst a mess of prepackaged snacks, the humble granola bar stands out as a source of quick, convenient nutrition. But have you ever peeked at the ingredient list? The number of unpronounceable ingredients is just plain gross! It’s enough to make anyone yearn for simpler, more wholesome options. Let’s look into the homemade granola bar: a customizable, delicious, and nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks.
The Health Side of Granola Bars
Granola bars have earned their place in the pantries of busy moms, fitness enthusiasts, and snack-lovers alike for good reason. Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they’re the perfect pick-me-up snack that can be tailored to any taste or dietary need. Making granola bars at home elevates their health benefits even further by allowing you to control the ingredients, eliminating preservatives, and reducing sugar. Plus you get way more for your buck!
New to the kitchen? Try this Get-started cooking guide!
The Simplicity of Homemade Snacks
One of the best things about homemade granola bars? How incredibly easy they are to make! With a few basic ingredients and a simple bake (or no-bake) process, you can whip up a batch of granola bars that will make your grocery budget sigh relief and your taste buds dance. Plus, involving kids in the making process can be a fun and educational kitchen adventure, teaching them about healthy eating and cooking from scratch. You know I am always advocating that! Get your kids in the kitchen every chance you get!
Customizable Creations: Mix-Ins Galore
The true joy of homemade granola bars lies in their versatility. Whether you prefer your bars chewy or crunchy, sweet or savory, the options for customization are endless. Here’s a list of mix-ins to inspire your granola bar creations:
- Sweet Treats: Chocolate chips, dehydrated marshmallows, butterscotch bites, dehydrated fruit, and caramel bites
- On the Nutty Side: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also boost the protein content.
- Seeds for More Nutrition: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds sprinkle in extra nutrients and textures.
- Spice it Up: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can infuse your bars with warm, comforting flavors. Add ground clove for a healthy kick!
- New to the kitchen? Try this Get-started cooking guide!
A Basic Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
Now that we’ve talked the talk, let’s walk the walk. Here’s a basic granola bar recipe to get you started on your homemade snack journey.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds
- 1/2 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in a large bowl.
3. Warm peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and combined.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
It is really that easy honey! And if your family loves them, it takes a few extra minutes to double the recipe! That recipe above includes many add-ins but you can play with it and add or remove whatever you want! They are yours to do with as you please! New to the kitchen? Try this Get-started cooking guide!
With endless possibilities for customization, you can ensure there’s always a delicious, nutrient-packed snack on hand that caters to everyone’s tastes. You now have yet another easy recipe on hand that allows you to cut out even more preservatives from your home! AND save you money on groceries! AND allows you to have extra snacks on hand more often!
BONUS TIP: Spend the afternoon making a bunch of these and freeze them! Then when you need more, just pull them out and enjoy!
If you enjoyed it please give me a few claps or a comment on what you thought! Thank you so much for reading!
For more insights on budget-friendly dinner ideas, easy dinner recipes, dessert recipes, meal plans, and the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, don’t forget to follow Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking! Home is where the best things are made!
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