Are you tired of store-bought granola bars packed with sugar and mysterious ingredients? Do you crave a healthy, delicious snack that’s quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This Food Nanny Granola Bar recipe is your answer. It’s so simple, even the busiest weeknights won't stop you from enjoying homemade goodness. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, naturally sweet, and unbelievably satisfying. They're perfect for breakfast, a quick energy boost, or a healthy after-school treat. Let's get started!
Ingredients: Your Path to Deliciousness
This recipe requires simple, readily available ingredients. You'll likely already have many of them in your pantry!
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots – get creative!)
- ¼ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax – add variety for extra nutrients!)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Granola Bar Bliss
Follow these easy steps and you'll be enjoying your homemade granola bars in no time!
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. Mix well to distribute evenly.
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Wet Ingredient Magic: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
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Mix it Up: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
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Press & Bake: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and pressed down to create a solid bar.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
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Cool & Cut: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cool, cut into your desired size and shape.
Tips & Tricks for Granola Bar Success
- Customize it: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations. Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or spices like cinnamon would also be delicious additions!
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter for the peanut butter to make these bars suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Storage: Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze well!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar - will vary based on ingredients used)
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Food Nanny Granola Bar recipe offers a simple and healthy way to enjoy a delicious homemade snack. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea if you’re short on time, and perfect for adding to lunchboxes or enjoying as a healthy treat. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Making your own granola bars is a rewarding experience, offering control over the ingredients and a chance to create a truly personalized snack.