Ultimate Crunchy Granola Bars
Satisfy your cravings with these Ultimate Crunchy Granola Bars! Perfect for a wholesome snack or a quick lunch, these bars are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors enhanced by crunchy textures. Crafted from hearty oats and a variety of nuts and dried fruits, they provide a perfect balance of nutrition and enjoyment. The addition of pretzels brings an irresistible crunch while honey and peanut butter add natural sweetness and richness. Easy to make and customize, these homemade granola bars are far better than store-bought alternatives, offering the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your snack. Enjoy them as a post-workout refuel or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oats
3 cups (toasted)
Nuts
1 cup (chopped (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc.))
Dried Fruit
1 cup (chopped (raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips))
Pretzels
1/2 cup (chopped)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Peanut Butter
1/3 cup (melted)
Butter
1/3 cup (melted)
Honey
1/3 cup (not prepared)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (not prepared)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (not prepared)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread the oats evenly on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until just golden, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, dried fruit (or chocolate chips), and pretzels. Stir to mix well.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted peanut butter, melted butter, honey, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
5
Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Line a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with greased parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Firmly press the mixture into the pan using a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
7
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Ultimate Crunchy Granola Bars?
The base of these granola bars consists of three cups of toasted oats.
How do I toast the oats for this recipe?
Spread the oats on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
What oven temperature is required for baking these bars?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for both toasting the oats and baking the bars.
Which types of nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use a variety of chopped nuts such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of dried fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the one cup of dried fruit with chocolate chips if preferred.
Why are pretzels included in the granola bars?
Chopped pretzels are added to provide an irresistible crunch and a sweet and salty flavor profile.
What liquid sweeteners are used to bind the bars?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/3 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is included in the wet mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
Should the peanut butter be melted?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/3 cup of melted peanut butter for even mixing.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of melted butter.
What spices are added for flavor?
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a half teaspoon of vanilla extract are added for warmth and depth of flavor.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with greased parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
How long should the final mixture bake in the oven?
Bake the pressed mixture for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
What is the secret to getting the bars to stay together?
Firmly press the mixture into the pan using a spatula or your hands before baking to create a solid layer.
How do I prevent the bars from crumbling when cutting?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them.
Can I customize the dried fruit?
Yes, raisins or dried cranberries are excellent choices for the one cup of dried fruit.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total: oats, nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, honey, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
Are these granola bars suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, they provide a balance of nutrition and energy making them a perfect post-workout refuel.
How do I remove the bars from the pan easily?
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan once cooled.
What is the texture of these homemade bars?
They are designed to be ultimate crunchy, thanks to the toasted oats, nuts, and pretzels.
Is salt necessary in this sweet snack?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used to enhance the flavors and complement the sweet ingredients.
What size should I cut the finished bars?
You can cut them into your choice of squares or rectangles depending on your preference.
Can I use different types of nut butter?
While the recipe specifies peanut butter, you can likely substitute it with other nut butters like almond butter.
How do I ensure the wet ingredients are well combined?
Whisk together the sugar, melted peanut butter, melted butter, honey, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a separate bowl before adding to the dry ingredients.
Should the oats be salted when toasting?
No, the oats should be spread on an ungreased cookie sheet without extra seasoning during the toasting phase.
Are these bars better than store-bought versions?
Yes, homemade bars offer the satisfaction of knowing exactly what ingredients are used and are often more flavorful.
Can these be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are tagged as breakfast bars and make for a quick, wholesome morning meal.
What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?
A standard cookie sheet will work as long as you can firmly press the mixture into an even layer.
Are these granola bars nutritious?
Yes, they are crafted from hearty oats, nuts, and fruit, providing a balance of nutrition and enjoyment.
Is the vanilla extract prepared in any specific way?
No, 1/2 teaspoon of standard vanilla extract is added directly to the wet mixture.