Description
These homemade granola bars are a delicious and wholesome snack made with toasted rolled oats, a medley of nuts, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Enhanced with melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for richness, and optionally studded with chocolate chips for a delightful treat. Perfectly baked to golden edges and easy to customize, these bars are great for on-the-go energy or a healthy snack anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Toast Oats and Nuts: Spread the oats and chopped nuts evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Syrup Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat this over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm honey mixture over the toasted oats and nuts in the mixing bowl. Add chocolate chips if using, and stir thoroughly to ensure every oat and nut is evenly coated with the syrup.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan to form a uniform layer.
- Bake Bars: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the pan. Cut into bars or squares as desired.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly into the pan to help bars hold together after baking.
- The chocolate chips can be omitted or replaced with dried fruit for different flavors.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
- To make the bars vegan, use maple syrup and a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
