Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Granola Bars are a great snack option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. They are easy to make at home, packed with nutritious ingredients, and customizable to fit your preferences. Plus, making them yourself can save you money compared to store-bought options, which often contain added sugars and preservatives.

How to Make Healthy Granola Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, peanut butter, and sea salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir again until all the ingredients are combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish.
Bake the granola bars for 18 minutes if you prefer soft bars, or for 20 to 22 minutes for crispy bars.
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for 20 minutes before cutting them into 8 to 10 pieces.
Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan and slice them again along the same lines.
Allow the bars to cool completely before eating or storing them.

How to Serve Healthy Granola Bars

Healthy Granola Bars can be enjoyed in various ways. They make for a quick breakfast option, a pre-workout snack, or a treat for kids after school. You can pair them with a glass of milk or some yogurt for a more filling meal.

How to Store Healthy Granola Bars

To store Healthy Granola Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they will stay fresh for up to three months.

Tips to Make Healthy Granola Bars

Make sure to pack the mixture tightly in the baking dish to help the bars hold together.
Experiment with different nuts or seeds based on your taste or what you have on hand.
If you like your bars sweeter, feel free to add more honey or a bit of maple syrup.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. You can also substitute different nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter for a unique flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these bars vegan?
A1: Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.

Q2: Are these granola bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes, if you use gluten-free rolled oats, these bars can be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Q3: How can I make these bars crunchier?
A3: Bake them a bit longer for an extra crunch, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.