Description
Make chewy, wholesome granola bars at home using natural sweeteners. This base recipe is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup smooth nut butter (almond or peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mix-ins (optional: chocolate chips, shredded coconut)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- If using, fold in the optional chocolate chips or coconut now.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to pack it down tightly; this helps the bars hold their shape.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial for chewiness.
- Once fully cooled (about 1 hour), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Cut into 12 or 16 bars.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooling before cutting.
- To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- If you prefer a crispier bar, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 0