Are you fed up with store-bought granola products that frequently contain preservatives and synthetic ingredients? Why not use oatmeal to create your homemade granola bars? Not only are they tasty, but they are also healthier, more cost-effective, and adaptable to your tastes. In this article, we will demonstrate how to make your granola bars with oats.
Homemade Granola Bars
These granola bars are delicious, gluten-free, and easy to make at home! There is help in the post above on changing the mix-ins if you want to do that. These are on the sweeter side, so if you’re looking for a less-sweet snack, try these Energy Balls instead.
Equipment
8×8 Baking Pan
Ingredients
1 Cup Very Smooth Creamy Natural Peanut Butter , or Cashew Butter
2/3 Cup Honey
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Heaping 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
2½ Cups Whole Rolled Oats
1/3 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips*
3 Tablespoons Pepitas or Crushed Peanuts or Cashews
Instructions
First, stir together the liquid ingredients: cashew or peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
Blend the honey until it is completely incorporated. It will scent wonderful!
Second, combine the dried ingredients, including oats, chocolate chips, and pepitas. Continue stirring even if the mixture initially appears dry. Everything will be completely integrated in a matter of moments.
Next, flatten the bar mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan. Place the mixture on the bottom of the pan and cover it with another piece of parchment paper. Utilize your palms to firmly press the mixture onto the pan’s sides. Then, using the base of a measuring cup, smooth and flatten the bars’ tops.
At last, relax! Before slicing and consuming the bars, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and refrigerate the mixture for one hour. It’s over!
Tips For Making Granola Bars
Use liquid vegetable butter. This recipe calls for natural cashew or peanut butter with a smooth texture, not the dry, crumbly gunk you may find at the bottom of the jar. If nut butter is too dry or thick, it will not bind the oats, chocolate chunks, and nuts or seeds together to form bars. Use smooth rather than chunky nut butter.
Do not shorten the period of refrigeration. While it might be tempting to cut these bars up and eat them as soon as you press the mixture of oats into the pan, they need to be chilled to be edible and stick together. Before dividing and consuming the bars, refrigerate the pan for at least one hour.
Refrigerate or chill the items. After slicing the bars, refrigerate the pan or transfer them to a secure container and store them in the refrigerator. Putting a piece of baking parchment between each layer is the best way to keep them from sticking while you store them. They can be preserved for a maximum of two months or kept in the fridge for up to a week. If frozen, allow them to defrost at room temperature for twenty minutes before eating.
Alternatives To Homemade Granola Bars
Here are some alternatives to homemade granola bar:
Chocolate Chip Delight: For a traditional dessert, combine semisweet or dark chocolate chips. Sweet chocolate and cereals make an irresistible combination.
Nutty Crunch: Boost the protein content and add a delectable crunch by incorporating chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews. They can be toasted to add a flavor layer.
Tropical Paradise: Travel to a tropical island by adding dried fruits such as pineapple, mango, and coconut shavings. Consequently, the flavor profile is sweet and exotic.
Nut Butter Heaven: Utilize nut butter as both a binder and a flavor enhancer to intensify the hazelnut flavor. All three nut butters—peanut, almond, and cashew—perform admirably.
Spiced Sensation: Infuse your bars with warmth and aroma by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. These seasonings pair exquisitely with the oats.
Trail Mix Marvel: Make your trail mix by combining dehydrated fruits, nuts, and seeds. Customize it with your beloved ingredients, including raisins, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and pecans.
S’mores Style: Include mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers to re-create the beloved campfire delicacy. It resembles a s’mores bar experience.
Berry Bliss: Utilize dried cranberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a berry flavor explosion. The natural sweetness of berries is the ideal complement to cereals.
Citrus Zest: Citrus zest, like that of oranges and lemons, imparts a tangy and refreshing flavor. This imparts a distinct and delicious flavor to your bars.
Protein-Packed: Mix in protein powder, chia, or flax seeds for an additional protein dose. Your granola bars become a gratifying post-workout snack as a result.
Storing Of Homemade Granola Bars
Certainly, appropriate storage is required to keep homemade granola bars fresh and tasty. Here are some storage guidelines for these delectable snacks:
Room Temperature Storage:
Wrap Individually: After slicing your granola bars into individual portions, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Thus, they are prevented from adhering together.
Airtight Container: Put the bars, each individually wrapped, in a container or bag that won’t let air in. This assists in maintaining their vitality and prevents them from drying out.
Cool, Dry Location: Store the container in a cool, dry location shielded from direct sunlight. Typically, a week of storage at room temperature is sufficient for short-term use.
Refrigeration:
Wrap and Store: Consider refrigerating granola bars if you intend to keep them for an extended period. Put each bar in a jar that won’t let air in and wrap it in plastic or parchment paper.
Label and Date: Place the container in the refrigerator and label it with the date the bars were produced. Typically, granola bars can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing:
Wrap Individually: Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents adhering and allows for simple thawing when the food is ready.
Freezer Bag or Container: Place the individually wrapped bars in a resealable freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. To avoid freezer burn, ensure a secure seal.
Date and Label: Include the date of preparation on the bag or container’s label. Homemade granola bars can be stored for up to three months in the freezer if properly chilled.
Thawing Frozen Bars:
When you are ready to consume a frozen granola bar, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at ambient temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. This enables the bar’s texture and flavor to return.
Consider the specific ingredients you’ve used in your granola bars, especially perishable ones like fresh fruits, as they may influence the expiration life. If uncertain about their freshness, you should always use your best judgment and conduct a sensory inspection.
Thanks for visiting our site hope you like it and find it helpful..
