Granola bars are one of the most convenient snacks. They are packed with whole ingredients and are portable food items that you can carry anywhere and everywhere. There is a wide variety of granola bars available in stores but it is always better to make them at home. This way we can add the ingredients according to our preferences without having to worry about the taste and nutrition of the bars that are sold outside.
TIPS WHILE MAKING GRANOLA BARS
- First and foremost, look for a butter that is fully natural like cashew butter or peanut butter. These butter are creamy, hence they will provide a smooth consistency while making the bars. If you use butter that is too thick, it won’t bind the other dry ingredients properly.
- Let the bars sit and provide them with enough cooling time. It might be tempting to consume them directly after making them. But resist the urge, and let them cool down. After cooling, keep it in the fridge for some time before slicing and eating them.
- Once you are done eating them once, store them in the fridge. You can even store them in the freezer if you want to keep them for a longer time. Also, keep in mind to pile them up and place a parchment paper after each bar. This prevents them from sticking to one another. They can last in the fridge for two weeks while they can last up to 2 months if frozen.
- While adding sugar, it is generally recommended to add honey and brown sugar. Both of these ingredients act as glue for the bars and help them stick together for a very long time. Another alternative to this is chocolate chips. They melt while baking and hold the bars together.
LIST OF INGREDIENTS
- Oats: the main ingredient for granola bars is oats. They are full of fiber, and nutrients. They keep the cholesterol levels in check. Also, the fiber content in them keeps you full for a longer time. If you want gluten-free oats, make sure that the brand is certified GF. This indicates that there is no cross-contamination.
- Nuts: all and any kind bars require nuts in them. Not only are they rich sources of omega-3 and proteins, but they also make the bars tasty and crunchy. You can use the nuts of your choice, be it almonds, cashews, walnuts, or peanuts. If you are having a hard time choosing them, just mix all of these, and your good to go.
- Peanut butter: they are healthy fats, and also add more protein to your protein bars. You can use other nut butter like cashew butter as well. Another quick tip would be to add more peanut butter if your mixture seems to be dry.
- Honey: quit the sugar, and add some honey for sweetness. This way the sweetness will remain intact, but there will be more nutritional benefits. If after adding honey the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of oats.
- Cinnamon, salt, pure vanilla extract: adding all of these will make the bars scrumptious. Don’t forget to add the mix-ins like chopped apricots, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate for added flavor.
DIRECTIONS
- Firstly, toast all of the oats, nuts, and seeds. This just adds to the flavor and keeps the granola bars from getting soft.
- warm the honey and peanut butter and mix them until a lump-free mixture is formed. Add in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly.
- Mix the toasted nuts and oats into this mixture and stir well.
- Next, pour this mixture into a parchment-lined pan. Bake it at 300F for 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool, store in the fridge for two hours, slice and enjoy.
VARIATIONS
You can customize your bars according to your and your family’s preferences. If you are following a gluten-free diet, use rolled oats instead of the normal ones. If you are looking for nut-free options or are allergic to nuts, swap the peanut butter with sunflower or pumpkin seed butter. Also, if you want an added dose of protein, add any protein powder of your choice. You can add 1/2 cup of protein powder instead of oats.
GRANOLA BARS NUTRITION FACTS
Total calories per serving are 240. Daily value nutrition is-:
- total fat- 7g (11%)
- cholesterol- 0g (0%)
- sodium- 0g (0%)
- potassium- 320mg (9%)
- total carbohydrates- 36g (12%)
- fiber- 6g (24%)
- sugar- 7g
- protein- 9g (18%)
- vitamin A- 0%
- vitamin C- 4%
- calcium- 4%
- iron- 15%
BOTTOM LINE
No matter what diet you are following, granola bars can be your ideal snack for every diet. Additionally, if they are homemade, you can also mix and add ingredients according to your choice. Not only are these bars portable but they are also excellent pre and post-workout meals. We have provided a full-proof recipe of homemade granola bars for your convenience. Happy snacking!
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