Nutty Fruity Granola Bars
Start your day right with these delightful Nutty Fruity Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds, these bars provide a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. Sweetened with honey or agave nectar and enriched with dried fruits, they make for a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast or a nutritious snack any time of the day. Easy to make and even easier to share, these granola bars are a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Give them a try and elevate your breakfast routine!
16
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rolled oats
1 cup (uncooked)
Sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Sliced almonds
1/3 cup (raw or toasted)
Wheat germ
1/4 cup (optional)
Honey or Agave nectar
3/4 cup (liquid sweetener)
Dark brown sugar or Molasses
1/4 cup (packed)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (for moisture)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure or imitation)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Chopped dried fruit
3/4 cup (e.g., raisins, apricots, or cranberries)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or agave nectar), dark brown sugar (or molasses), canola oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, wheat germ, and chopped dried fruit.
4
Pour the warm liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir until everything is well-coated and combined evenly.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
7
Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of the pan and lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.2g
Fat
18g
Carbs
1.8g
Protein
4.1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Fruity Granola Bars?
Nutty Fruity Granola Bars are wholesome, chewy, and crunchy bars made with rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruit, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 equal-sized granola bar squares.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How long do the granola bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Can I make these granola bars vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan by using agave nectar instead of honey and ensuring your sugar or molasses is vegan-friendly.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to line the baking pan?
Yes, lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended for easy removal of the bars.
Can I substitute honey with agave nectar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either honey or agave nectar as the liquid sweetener.
How many calories are in each granola bar?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the purpose of the canola oil in the recipe?
Canola oil is used to provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
What types of dried fruit can I use?
You can use any chopped dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries.
Is the wheat germ necessary?
Wheat germ is listed as an optional ingredient to boost the nutritional profile.
How should I store the finished granola bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Can these granola bars be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze these bars in a sealed container for longer storage.
Why is it important to press the mixture down firmly?
Pressing the mixture down firmly ensures the bars hold together and do not crumble after baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips, but it is best to mix them in after the liquid has cooled slightly to prevent melting.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before attempting to lift them out and cut them.
What are the primary dry ingredients?
The main dry ingredients include rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, wheat germ, and dried fruit.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are recommended for the correct texture; steel-cut oats would be too hard and are not suitable for this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each granola bar contains approximately 5.2g of fat.
How much protein is in one granola bar?
Each bar provides about 1.8g of protein.
Can I use molasses instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dark brown sugar or molasses to be used.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
Ensure you press the mixture firmly into the pan and let them cool completely before slicing.
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and omit the wheat germ.
How many squares should I cut the batch into?
The recipe is designed to be cut into 16 equal squares.
Can I omit the salt?
Yes, you can omit the salt if you are watching your sodium intake, though it helps enhance the flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this granola bar recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, these bars are a favorite for both kids and adults due to their sweetness and texture.
What can I serve with these bars for breakfast?
They pair well with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a glass of milk for a complete breakfast.