Are you tired of store-bought granola bars that are either too hard, too sweet, or just plain boring? Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with these Perfect Soft Granola Bars that will make your taste buds dance and your hunger disappear! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bars are not just a snack – they're a game-changing experience that will have you ditching those packaged alternatives forever. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or a parent looking for nutritious treats, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, and honey. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and dried fruit, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the granola slab out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature almond butter for easier mixing and better ingredient incorporation.
- Press the mixture very firmly into the pan to ensure compact, well-formed bars that hold together.
- For extra flavor variation, experiment with different types of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, precise edges.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture.
- Line your baking pan carefully with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
- If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey or substitute with maple syrup.
- Store bars between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking if storing for multiple days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg