DIY Granola Bars: Honey Oat Heaven

Introduction

Granola bars provide a convenient and healthy snack option when you’re on-the-go. Although store-bought options are available, they may contain unhealthy or unwanted ingredients. Creating your own granola bars offers an easy solution that enables you to customize the ingredients according to your preferences and dietary needs. This article outlines the steps to make DIY granola bars that provide a heavenly taste of honey and oats.

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s explore the advantages of making your own granola bars.

Benefits of Making Your Own Granola Bars

1. Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own granola bars, you have the freedom to choose the amount and quality of each ingredient. Whether you want to use organic oats, natural sweeteners, or particular nuts and seeds, you are in control of the ingredients that go into your snack.
2. Cost-Effective: Store-bought granola bars can be expensive, especially if you opt for organic or specialty bars. Making your own granola bars provides a cost-effective alternative that saves money over time.
3. Freshness: Homemade granola bars are fresher and can be prepared in smaller portions to ensure their freshness. While store-bought bars may have a longer shelf life, they may contain preservatives to maintain their freshness. Creating your own bars helps you avoid unnecessary additives.
4. Customization: Making your own granola bars provides you the flexibility to customize them according to your preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the sweetness, texture, and nutritional content to suit your taste and requirements.

Now that we have covered the benefits, let’s dive into the recipe.

DIY Granola Bars: Honey Oat Heaven

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup nuts of choice (almonds, cashews, or pecans work well)
• 1/2 cup seeds of choice (pumpkin or sunflower seeds work well)
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit of choice (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Pro Tip: Preheating the oven ensures even cooking, and lining the dish with parchment paper prevents the granola bars from sticking to the dish and allows for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Pro Tip: Mixing the dry ingredients together before adding the wet ingredients ensures an even distribution of ingredients, resulting in proper baking and a delicious flavor combination.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the honey and coconut oil until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pro Tip: Melted honey and coconut oil work brilliantly as a sweetener with functional benefits. Coconut oil is renowned for its healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential to aid digestion.

4. Pour the honey mixture into the oat mixture and stir until the dry ingredients are well coated.

Pro Tip: The aim is to ensure an even distribution of the honey mixture so that the dry ingredients stick together and create a flavorful outcome.

5. If using dried fruit, stir it into the mixture until evenly distributed.

Pro Tip: Adding dried fruit is optional but can increase the texture and sweetness of the bars.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly with a spatula.

Pro Tip: Evenly press the mixture into the dish to distribute the granola mix evenly, achieving the desired thickness.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Pro Tip: Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so monitor the granola bars to avoid burning.

8. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Allowing the granola bars to cool will harden the mixture and ensure easier cutting.

9. Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into bars of desired size.

Pro Tip: Cutting the bars into your preferred size and shape will allow you to control your portions and easy storage.

10. Let the bars cool completely before wrapping them in parchment paper or storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip: Storing your bars in a sealed container at room temperature ensures proper storage and prevents early spoilage.

Conclusion

Making your own granola bars provides a healthier and cost-effective alternative than purchasing store-bought options. Controlling the ingredients can ensure freshness, nutrition, and accommodating dietary preferences. This recipe for honey oat heaven granola bars offers a delicious and easy recipe to prepare granola bars from scratch. Remember to mix dry and wet ingredients separately, let the bars cool before cutting them, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Get ready to enjoy your freshly made granola bars!