A wholesome and nutritious option, Homemade Nutty Granola Bars are perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout snacks, or a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon tea. This recipe combines a medley of nuts and dried fruits with the natural sweetness of honey and banana, making it a fantastic treat for everyone, including those looking for healthier snacking alternatives. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably have at home, these granola bars are a satisfying and energizing choice that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
To create a batch of delicious Homemade Nutty Granola Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g (2 ¾ cups) oat flakes (long cooking): Oat flakes provide a hearty base for the granola bars, contributing fiber and helping to keep you full.
- 130g (½ cup) honey: This natural sweetener acts as a binding agent and adds a delightful sweetness to the bars.
- ½ tsp salt: The salt enhances flavors and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the nutty taste of the bars.
- 1 medium banana (approx. 120g): Mashed banana serves as a natural sweetener and moisture source, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- 150g (5 oz) dates: Chopped dates provide additional natural sweetness. You can substitute them with a second banana if desired.
- 50g (1.8 oz) dried apricots: Chopped dried apricots add a tangy sweetness and chewy texture to the bars.
- 30g (1 oz) cranberries: These provide a tart flavor, along with a burst of color and texture.
- 50g (1.8 oz) blueberries: Fresh or dried blueberries add a fruity sweetness and are rich in antioxidants.
- 30g (1 oz) pumpkin seeds: These nutritious seeds add crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
- 50g (1.8 oz) almonds: Chopped almonds contribute crunch and protein.
- 100g (3.5 oz) walnuts: Walnuts add a rich, earthy flavor and healthy omega-3 fats.
- 20g (0.7 oz) macadamia nuts: These nuts bring a creamy texture and a hint of luxury to the granola bars.
Optional Baking Instructions:
- Bake at 150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes: Baking the bars helps them firm up and develop a golden crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nuts and Fruits
Begin by preparing the mix-ins for your granola bars:
- Chop the nuts: Coarsely chop the almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts into bite-sized pieces. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the dried fruits: Dice the dates, dried apricots, cranberries, and blueberries into small pieces, and add them to the bowl with the nuts. This combination will create a beautiful medley of flavors in your granola bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Base
Next, you’ll create the binding base for your bars:
- Mash the banana: In a separate small bowl, thoroughly mash the banana until smooth. If using dates as a substitute, ensure they are finely chopped or blended into a paste.
- Combine with honey and vanilla: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed banana, mixing well until completely combined. This mixture will help hold your granola bars together, so it’s essential to mix it well.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Blend the dry and wet ingredients to build your granola mixture:
- Add oats and seeds: Pour the oat flakes and pumpkin seeds into the bowl with the chopped nuts and dried fruits. Stir them together until everything is well distributed.
- Combine with wet ingredients: Gradually pour the banana-honey mixture over the oat, nut, and fruit blend. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the wet mixture evenly coats all the dry ingredients, creating a cohesive mix.
Step 4: Press into the Baking Pan
Prepare your baking pan for the oven:
- Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line an 18 cm x 26 cm (approximately 7 in x 10 in) baking pan. This will help prevent the bars from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking.
- Press the mixture into the pan: Transfer the oat-nut mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Ensuring a compact mixture is crucial for the bars to hold together once baked.
Step 5: Bake
Get your oven ready and bake the bars:
- Bake the granola bars: Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool completely: After baking, allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is essential to ensure that the bars firm up properly, allowing for easy slicing without crumbling.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
The final step is to cut and enjoy your homemade granola bars:
- Slice the bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to slice them into 14 equal-sized pieces.
- Serve or store: Enjoy your nutritious granola bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later snacking.
Nutritional Benefits
These Homemade Nutty Granola Bars provide a wholesome source of energy, making them an excellent snack option. Here’s a nutritional overview of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 210–250 kcal
- Protein: 6–8 g
- Fat: 10–12 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
- Fiber: 3–5 g
- Sugar: 15–18 g
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- Oat Flakes: High in fiber, oats are known for their heart health benefits and help keep you full longer.
- Nuts: The variety of nuts included adds healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, including vitamin E and magnesium.
- Dried Fruits: The addition of dried apricots and cranberries provides natural sweetness along with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cooking Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your granola bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Chop Uniformly: When chopping nuts and dried fruits, try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size to ensure even distribution throughout the bars.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: If you want to reduce the sugar content, consider substituting some honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add More Flavor: For added depth, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the oat mixture.
- Texture Variations: Want a chewier texture? Use more dried fruits! For crunchier bars, increase the amount of nuts or add in some crispy puffed rice.
Variations
Feel free to customize your Nutty Granola Bars with different flavors and mix-ins:
- Nut Alternatives: Swap out the almonds and walnuts for your favorite nuts or seeds, such as pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
- Replace Dried Fruits: Use other dried fruits, such as figs, raisins, or apples, for varied flavors and textures.
- Chocolatey Treat: Stir in some dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a delicious chocolatey twist. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Coconut Flavor: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
FAQs
Can I make granola bars vegan?
Yes! Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the bars completely plant-based.
How should I store the granola bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use instant oats instead of long-cooking oats?
While you can use instant oats, they may yield a different texture. Long-cooking oats provide a heartier, chewier bar.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
To make sure your bars are gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes! If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat mixture.
Conclusion
These Homemade Nutty Granola Bars are not just a great snack; they are a fantastic way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your diet. With endless possibilities for customization, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, an energy booster during workouts, or simply indulge with a cup of tea. Happy baking and enjoy sharing this wholesome treat with friends and family!