Description
Homemade granola bars are surprisingly easy to customize. This recipe lets you control the sweetness and add your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups (160 g) oats
- 1/2 cup (96 g) sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups (592 ml) additions
- 1/3 cup (60 g) peanut butter
- 6 Tbsp (89 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (8×8, 9×9, or 9×13 depending on desired thickness) with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil or non-stick spray.
- In a blender or food processor, grind 1/3 cup (27 g) of the oats into a fine powder. This helps bind the bars.
- If using larger dried fruits like apricots or apples, chop them into raisin-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, ground oats, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and your chosen additions (dried fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, oil, honey (or syrup), and water until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan, paying attention to the corners.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. If using a thicker pan (8×8 or 9×9), you may need an extra 5 minutes.
- Let the granola cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- To reduce sugar, use maple syrup or another liquid sweetener in place of some or all of the honey.
- Customize your bars by adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or other mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0g