Trailblazer Granola Bars
These Trailblazer Granola Bars are the ultimate portable snack for any adventure! Bursting with energy-boosting oats, a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors, and rich chocolatey goodness, these bars are a favorite among campers and hikers alike. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste—add dried fruits, seeds, or even your favorite nut butters. While they are an irresistible treat that will keep you going during your outdoor excursions, remember to enjoy them in moderation due to their enticing richness. Whether you're embarking on a long hike or lounging by the campfire, these granola bars are sure to become your go-to snack. Just be prepared to share—everyone will want a piece!
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
oats
9 cups (uncooked)
honey
1/2 cup (liquid)
light corn syrup
1/3 cup (liquid)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
margarine
2 cups (melted)
peanuts
1/2 cup (chopped or whole)
chocolate chips
4 cups (mini or regular)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, honey, light corn syrup, sugar, and melted margarine.
3
Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is homogenous.
4
Add the peanuts and chocolate chips, folding them gently into the oat mixture.
5
Press the mixture evenly onto a 9x18 inch (23x46 cm) baking sheet, ensuring it's about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) thick.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial to prevent crumbly bars.
8
After cooling, cut the mixture into small squares or bars of your preferred size.
9
Enjoy your homemade Trailblazer Granola Bars, and store any leftovers in an airtight container for later!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Trailblazer Granola Bars?
Trailblazer Granola Bars are an energy-boosting, portable snack featuring a mix of oats, chocolate chips, and peanuts, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
How many servings does this granola bar recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these bars?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the granola bars bake in the oven?
The bars should bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
What are the primary ingredients in Trailblazer Granola Bars?
The main ingredients include uncooked oats, honey, light corn syrup, sugar, melted margarine, peanuts, and chocolate chips.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use either mini or regular chocolate chips depending on your preference.
What type of honey is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of liquid honey.
Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
Yes, the recipe is versatile, and you can easily swap peanuts for other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
What kind of oats should be used?
The recipe specifies 9 cups of uncooked oats.
Why is it important to let the bars cool completely before cutting?
Cooling completely on the baking sheet is a crucial step to prevent the bars from becoming crumbly when cut.
How thick should the mixture be when pressed onto the baking sheet?
The mixture should be pressed evenly to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
What size baking sheet is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x18 inch (23x46 cm) baking sheet.
Can I add dried fruit to these granola bars?
Yes, you can customize the bars by adding dried fruits to the mixture.
Is there a substitute for margarine in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for melted margarine, you can experiment with other fats, though it may change the final texture.
How should I store the finished granola bars?
Leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I add seeds to the Trailblazer Granola Bars?
Yes, adding seeds is a great way to customize the recipe and add extra nutrients.
Are these granola bars suitable for hiking?
Absolutely, they are designed as an ultimate portable snack for hikers and campers.
What makes these bars energy-boosting?
The combination of oats, honey, and sugar provides a quick and sustained source of energy for physical activities.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
The recipe uses granulated sugar, but you can attempt to swap it with other sweeteners, keeping in mind it may affect the bars' structure.
How should the margarine be prepared before mixing?
The margarine should be completely melted before adding it to the oats and sugars.
What is the preparation for the peanuts?
The peanuts can be either chopped or kept whole depending on your texture preference.
What type of corn syrup is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for light corn syrup.
Are these granola bars considered a healthy snack?
They contain healthy oats but are rich in sugar and fats; they are best enjoyed in moderation during high-energy activities.
How can I make the mixture homogenous?
Mix the oats, honey, syrup, sugar, and margarine thoroughly in a large bowl until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for the mixture to be bubbly and the edges to be lightly golden brown.
Into what shapes should I cut the mixture?
You can cut the mixture into small squares or rectangular bars of your preferred size.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe, making it great for home cooks of all levels.
Can I make these bars for a camping trip?
Yes, they are a favorite among campers because they are durable and easy to transport.
What happens if the mixture is not pressed evenly?
Uneven pressing can lead to some parts being overcooked while others are soft, so ensure it is a level 1/2 inch thick.
Can I add nut butter to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add or swap in your favorite nut butters to change the flavor profile.