Tropical Paradise Granola Bars
Savor the taste of the tropics with these luscious Tropical Paradise Granola Bars! Infused with sweet dried mango and juicy pineapple, these soft and chewy bars deliver a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy mornings or a mid-day snack, they're made with wholesome rolled oats and sweetened naturally with honey, making them a nourishing choice for your breakfast or on-the-go treat. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to prepare, but they also keep well, ensuring you can enjoy a little taste of paradise throughout the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rolled oats
2 1/2 cups (not quick cook, measured)
dried mango
1/2 cup (chopped into small pieces, measured after chopping)
dried pineapple
1/2 cup (chopped, measured after chopping)
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon
runny honey
3 tablespoons
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch square pan by greasing it lightly and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried mango, chopped dried pineapple, and light brown sugar. Stir thoroughly until well mixed.
3
In a separate jug, combine the runny honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a fork to lightly beat the mixture until it's well combined and slightly frothy.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir well until all the oats and fruit are evenly coated with the honey mixture.
5
Transfer the granola mixture into the lined pan and spread it out evenly, pressing down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to compact it.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
7
Allow the granola to cool completely in the pan to set before slicing.
8
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into 9-12 individual bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Paradise Granola Bars?
Tropical Paradise Granola Bars are soft and chewy snack bars made with rolled oats, dried mango, and dried pineapple, naturally sweetened with honey.
What fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped dried mango and 1/2 cup of chopped dried pineapple.
What kind of oats should I use?
You should use 2 1/2 cups of rolled oats; ensure they are not the quick-cook variety for the best texture.
Are these granola bars crunchy or chewy?
These granola bars are designed to be soft and chewy.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly firm.
What size pan is recommended?
An 8x8 inch square pan is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly grease the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
How many granola bars does this recipe make?
The recipe makes between 9 to 12 individual granola bars depending on how you slice them.
Can I cut the bars immediately after they come out of the oven?
No, you must allow the granola to cool completely in the pan to set before slicing.
How do I store the finished granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will these bars stay fresh?
They will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with a vegan-friendly alternative like maple syrup or agave nectar.
What type of sweetener is used?
The bars are sweetened with runny honey and one tablespoon of light brown sugar.
Why do I need to press the mixture into the pan?
Pressing down firmly with a spatula ensures the bars are compact and won't crumble after slicing.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How do I mix the wet ingredients?
In a separate jug, combine the runny honey, oil, and vanilla extract, then beat with a fork until slightly frothy.
Should the dried fruit be measured before or after chopping?
The dried mango and pineapple should be measured after they have been chopped into small pieces.
Can I use quick oats if I don't have rolled oats?
The recipe specifically recommends against quick-cook oats to ensure the bars have the correct chewy texture.
What does vanilla extract add to the recipe?
The vanilla extract adds a hint of aromatic flavor that complements the tropical fruits.
Are these granola bars suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are a nourishing choice for busy mornings or as an on-the-go breakfast treat.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The top should be golden brown and the mixture should feel slightly firm to the touch.
Is the brown sugar mandatory?
The tablespoon of light brown sugar helps with the texture and sweetness, but could be adjusted to your preference.
Can I lift the bars out of the pan easily?
Yes, if you use parchment paper, you can lift the entire block out once cooled for easy slicing.
Are these bars nut-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, these bars are nut-free as long as your oats and fruit are processed in a nut-free facility.
Can I add other tropical ingredients?
Yes, shredded coconut would be a great addition to enhance the tropical paradise theme.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigeration is not required; they keep well at room temperature for 4 days.
What is the best way to slice the bars?
Once completely cooled and lifted from the pan, use a sharp knife to cut them into 9 or 12 rectangles.
Are these bars healthy?
They are made with wholesome rolled oats and fruit, providing a nourishing snack option.
Can I use other types of dried fruit?
While this recipe focuses on mango and pineapple for a tropical flavor, you can substitute other dried fruits as desired.