Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, golden-brown granola bar that's packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural sweetness - no store-bought snack can compare! These homemade Crunchy Baked Granola Bars are not just a treat, they're a game-changing breakfast or energy-boosting snack that will revolutionize your daily nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a batch of bars that are healthier, tastier, and more satisfying than anything you'll find on a supermarket shelf.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup dried fruit
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and almond butter together for 30-45 seconds. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm honey-almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until all ingredients are completely coated and stick together.
- Fold in the dried fruit, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the granola slab out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve the perfect crunch
- Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits for variety
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness
- For extra protein, consider adding chia seeds or protein powder
- Toast the oats and nuts briefly before mixing for enhanced flavor
- Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion when cutting bars
- If bars are too crumbly, add a bit more honey or almond butter as a binder
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
