Homemade Granola Bars
The perfect snack for any time of day, Homemade Granola Bars offer a delicious blend of chewy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these easy-to-make bars will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized. Try them tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats divided
- 1/2 cup dried apricots finely chopped
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds (or a combination)
- 1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. You want it nice and warm for that perfect bake.
- Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
- Spray the parchment-lined dish with nonstick spray. This gives an extra layer of protection against sticking.
- In a heat-safe bowl, cover the prunes with hot water and soak them for 10 minutes. This makes them easier to blend.
- Drain the prunes and place them in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the maple syrup, molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Process all ingredients to form a thick paste, about 20 seconds. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
- Add 2 cups of the oats to the mixture and pulse 8 to 10 times, just until the oats are coarsely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of oats, apricots, nuts, and sunflower seeds. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Using slightly dampened hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. You want a compact mixture to hold together well.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once baked, cool the dish for 15 minutes at room temperature. Then transfer to the freezer and chill until completely cooled, about 30 minutes. This helps the bars set.
- Cut into 10 or 12 bars and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade treats!
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh nuts and dried fruits to enhance the flavor of your bars.
- Thickness Matters: If you'd like thicker bars, use a smaller baking dish to increase the height of the mixture.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling step; it’s crucial for the bars to firm up properly.
- Storage: Make sure to store your bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.