Soft and Chewy Granola Bars
Try this Soft and Chewy Granola Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Soft and Chewy Granola Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup flax seeds
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nature's promise roasted no salt whole almonds roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup nature's promise organic extra virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 cup nature's promise sweetened cranberries
- 1 (3.5 oz.) bar dark chocolate (i used 72% cacao)
- Carbohydrate 68.8982750227469 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.22296375 g
- Fiber 11.5358315312192 g
- Protein 13.9228406250413 g
- Saturated Fat 1.26933275 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bar (102g)
- Sodium 62.9105625051756 mg
- Sugar 57.3624434915277 g
- Trans Fat 0.947232999999999 g
- Calories 404 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.
- Spread the oats, almonds, chia seeds, and flax seeds on a large baking sheet.
- Toast the oats for 7-10 minutes or just until slightly golden brown.
- Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring, until the sugar has melted.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the oats and with a wooden spoon, stir to thoroughly combine, making sure every oat and seed is coated in the sugar mixture.
- Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Line an 8X8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches overhang on two sides.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Remove from the pan with the parchment paper and slice into 8 even bars.
- Set aside.
- Prepare the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the chocolate bars and then transfer to a freezer on the parchment paper for 10 minutes or until set.
- To store, wrap the granola bars individually in wax paper or plastic wrap and place in a large ziploc bag.
My Go-To Energy Boost: Homemade Soft and Chewy Granola Bars
As a busy mom, I'm always on the go. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping up with my family’s activities, finding time for myself, let alone healthy snacks, often feels impossible. That's why I started making my own granola bars. They’re quick, easy, and infinitely customizable to my taste and dietary needs. This recipe, for soft and chewy granola bars, has become a staple in my kitchen, a true lifesaver on those days when I need a quick, nutritious energy boost.
What sets this recipe apart from store-bought bars is the control it gives me over ingredients. No more mysterious additives, artificial sweeteners, or excessive amounts of sugar. I know exactly what goes into these bars – wholesome oats, crunchy nuts, seeds brimming with nutrients, and just the right touch of sweetness from honey and brown sugar. The texture is perfect too; not too hard, not too crumbly, but perfectly chewy. They satisfy my sweet cravings without the guilt.
Why I Love This Recipe:
First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment! Swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits like raisins, blueberries, or chopped apricots. Add in different nuts like pecans or walnuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds and perhaps add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless.
Second, it's surprisingly easy. The entire process, from mixing the ingredients to refrigerating the bars, takes less than an hour. This is a great recipe for a busy weeknight, and the kids can even help with the mixing and spreading stages – which makes it a fun family activity.
Finally, it’s delicious! These granola bars are not just a healthy snack; they’re actually a treat. The perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet honey, and the rich, dark chocolate drizzle makes them irresistible. They’re ideal for breakfast on the go, a midday pick-me-up, or a satisfying dessert after a long day.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Granola Bars:
Pressing is Key: Don’t skip the step where you press the oat mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling. A measuring cup's bottom works great for compacting.
Refrigeration is Essential: Refrigerating the bars allows them to set properly and prevents them from becoming too soft or sticky. Allow at least two hours before cutting and serving.
Customize Your Drizzle: While the dark chocolate drizzle is a personal favorite, you can experiment with other toppings such as melted white chocolate, peanut butter, or even a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storage: Proper storage is crucial to keep the bars fresh and delicious. Wrap them individually in wax paper or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them stay chewy and prevent them from becoming stale. They will last for about a week, though they rarely last that long in my house.
Beyond Snacking: These granola bars are perfect for hiking, camping, or even packing for school lunches. They’re a much healthier alternative to processed snack bars and provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re also a great way to use up leftover oats or nuts. So next time you're looking for a quick and healthy snack, try out this granola bar recipe. I am sure it will become a new favourite in your kitchen as well!
In conclusion, this simple recipe for soft and chewy granola bars offers a healthy, convenient, and utterly delicious snacking solution for busy individuals who want to prioritize their nutrition without sacrificing taste or convenience. So why not ditch the store-bought versions and give this homemade delight a try?
