Are you tired of bland, store-bought granola bars that promise health but deliver disappointment? Get ready to revolutionize your snack time with these homemade Crunchy Healthy Granola Bars that are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a nutrient-packed powerhouse that will keep you energized and satisfied! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a batch of golden, crispy bars that are so delicious, you'll never want to buy packaged snacks again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts, stirring to distribute evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter and honey together for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the warm almond butter and honey mixture over the oats and nuts, mixing thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are well coated.
- Fold in the dried fruit, mixing gently to distribute throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top becomes slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, which allows the bars to set and become firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use freshly purchased nuts and dried fruit for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For extra nutrition, experiment with different nut and dried fruit combinations.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- If the bars seem too soft, bake an extra 2-3 minutes to achieve desired crispness.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain texture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
