How to Make Homemade Granola Bars in Simple English
Want to make a healthy snack at home that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for on-the-go? Granola bars are a fun, simple treat you can whip up in your own kitchen. They’re great for kids, adults, and anyone who loves a quick bite without all the processed ingredients in store-bought bars. Plus, you get to control what goes into them!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of making homemade granola bars in a few easy steps. You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills. Let’s get started!
Why Homemade?
Granola bars are often sold in stores, but many contain extra sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors. By making them at home, you know exactly what’s going into them. Homemade granola bars are fresh, customizable, and usually less expensive than packaged ones. Plus, you can make healthier choices by adding your favorite ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make basic homemade granola bars:
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
- 1 cup (90g) nuts or seeds (like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds)
- ½ cup (75g) dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup (for sweetness and sticking everything together)
- ¼ cup (60ml) peanut butter or almond butter (for richness and binding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the flavors)
You can also add extras like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or spices like cinnamon.
Tools
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon or spatula
- A baking dish or square pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- A fridge (or freezer)
- A sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Measure everything out before you start so it’s easy to mix everything together.
If your nuts or seeds are large, chop them into smaller pieces. Slice dried fruit into small chunks if necessary.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Take a big mixing bowl and add the oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Stir them together until evenly combined.
Next, in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the honey (or maple syrup) and peanut butter until they’re soft and easy to stir. Don’t boil—just warm it up. Add the vanilla extract if you’re using it.
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything really well with a spoon or spatula until every piece is coated. The mixture should start to stick together.
Step 3: Press the Mixture Into a Pan
Take a square baking dish or pan (an 8×8-inch works great). Line it with parchment paper or foil, leaving extra on the sides so you can easily lift out the granola bars later.
Scoop your granola mixture into the pan. Use your hands or a flat spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer. This step is important—pressing tightly helps the bars hold together.
Step 4: Chill in the Fridge
Once the granola mixture is packed into the pan, place it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. You can also put it in the freezer for a quicker chill. The cold air helps the ingredients stick together.
Step 5: Cut Your Bars
After the mixture has chilled and set, pull it out of the pan using the parchment or foil. Place it on a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife to cut the granola into bars or squares. You can make them big or small, depending on your preference. Store the bars in an airtight container or wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Tips for Perfect Granola Bars
- Customize your flavors: Try adding your favorite mix-ins, like dark chocolate chips, dried mango, or spices like nutmeg.
- Experiment with binding agents: If you don’t like peanut butter, try almond butter or coconut oil.
- Don’t skip chilling: Without enough time to set in the fridge, your granola may crumble apart.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like sweeter bars, add a little extra honey or maple syrup. For less sweetness, reduce it slightly.
A Snack Everyone Will Love
Homemade granola bars are perfect for school lunchboxes, road trips, or afternoon energy boosts. They’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store!
The best part? You can tweak the recipe any way you like to suit your taste. So, grab your oats and get creative in the kitchen!
Have you tried making granola bars at home? Share your creations or favorite combinations below! Happy snacking!
