How to Make Perfectly Baked Granola Bars

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, homemade granola bars are the perfect solution. Making perfectly baked granola bars at home allows you to customize the flavors and ensure they’re packed with the nutrients you need. Follow this simple guide to create your own delightful granola bars.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make granola bars, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your granola bars will bake evenly and achieve that desired crispiness.

2. Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later. This will make cleanup much easier!

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and any optional dry ingredients like seeds or dried fruits. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat these ingredients slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them easier to stir together.

5. Combine Both Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are fully coated with the wet mixture. If you’re adding chocolate chips, wait until the mixture has cooled a bit before adding them to prevent melting.

6. Press the Mixture into the Pan

Scoop the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (damp hands work best) to press the mixture down firmly, creating an even layer. Make sure to compress it as tightly as possible for well-formed bars.

7. Bake the Granola Bars

Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

8. Let Them Cool

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the granola slab from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

9. Cut into Bars

Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the granola slab into bars or squares, depending on your preference. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Granola Bars

To create the perfect granola bars every time, consider these additional tips:

  • Experiment with different nut butters for unique flavors.
  • Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick.
  • Incorporate a variety of nuts and seeds for added crunch.
  • For a chewy texture, avoid baking for too long.

Enjoy your homemade granola bars as a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon snack, or a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!