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Homemade Chewy Granola Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 58 reviews

These homemade chewy granola bars are a delightful and wholesome snack packed with nuts, oats, dried fruit, and chia seeds. Sweetened naturally with honey and enriched with coconut oil, these bars offer a satisfying texture and a perfect balance of flavors. Gluten-free and easy to make, they are ideal for a quick breakfast or an energizing on-the-go treat.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

Nuts and Oats

  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 cup certified gluten free old fashioned oats

Fruit and Seeds

  • 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 2 Tablespoons chia seeds

Flavorings and Binders

  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (no substitutions)
  • 1/2 teaspoon scant salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil, letting it hang generously over the sides, then spray with nonstick spray and set aside to prepare for the granola mixture.
  2. Chop nuts and oats: Add 1/2 cup each of almonds and pecans, plus 3/4 cup old fashioned oats to the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Pour this mixture into a large bowl.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: To the large bowl, add the remaining 1/4 cup oats, dried cranberries (or cherries), chia seeds, and cinnamon. Chop the remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1/2 cup almonds by hand, then add them to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly and set aside.
  4. Boil wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey, coconut oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a bubble over medium heat, stirring once or twice. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in almond and vanilla extracts.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the warm honey and oil mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir well to combine, ensuring all dry ingredients are coated evenly.
  6. Press mixture into pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spray the bottom of a measuring cup or small bowl with nonstick spray, then use it to press the granola mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Applying firm pressure helps the bars stick together better.
  7. Chill and set: Refrigerate the pan for a couple of hours until the granola mixture is set and firm.
  8. Slice and serve: Lift the granola slab out of the pan using the overhanging foil. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12 bars using a sharp knife. Enjoy your homemade chewy granola bars!

Notes

  • Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the bars gluten-free.
  • Do not substitute coconut oil, as it helps the bars set properly.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key for chewy, cohesive bars.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Variations: Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or other dried fruits as desired.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/homemade-chewy-granola-bars-recipe/