Granola bars are a popular snack that can provide energy, fibre, and nutrients. They are also convenient, portable, and customisable. However, many store-bought granola bars are loaded with added sugar, artificial flavours, and preservatives that can undermine their health benefits. Making your granola bars at home is a great way to control the ingredients, save money, and enjoy a delicious treat.

In this article, I will describe how to make healthy and delicious granola bars at home using simple and natural ingredients.

Steps on How to Make Your Healthy Granola Bars at Home

1. Gather your ingredients. You will need some basic ingredients that form the base of your granola bars, such as oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and salt. You can also add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your bars, such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or protein powder. The exact amounts of each ingredient will depend on your personal preference and the recipe you are following.
2. Preheat your oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Most granola bar recipes require baking at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 177°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can use any size of baking pan, but a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan will yield about 16 bars. Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the pan and press it into the bottom and sides of the pan. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.
3. Toast your oats and nuts in the oven for a few minutes. This step is optional, but it will give your granola bars a nice crunch and a nutty flavour. Spread your oats and nuts in an even layer on a large baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch them carefully to avoid burning. You can skip this step if you are using quick oats or pre-toasted nuts.
4. Heat your wet ingredients in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. In a small saucepan, combine your nut butter, honey or maple syrup, salt, and any other wet ingredients you are using, such as vanilla extract or coconut oil. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. You can also do this step in the microwave by heating the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval.
5. Combine your dry and wet ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer your toasted oats and nuts to a large mixing bowl and add any other dry ingredients you are using, such as seeds, dried fruits, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or protein powder. Stir well to combine. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir again until everything is well-coated and sticky.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the granola bar mixture to the lined baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or your hands. Press down firmly to compact the mixture and make sure there are no gaps or air pockets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and firm around the edges. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into pieces.
7. Enjoy your homemade granola bars or store them for later. You can enjoy your granola bars right away or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for up to two months. To prevent them from sticking together, you can wrap each bar individually with parchment paper or plastic wrap. The duration of granola bars before they decay depends on several factors, such as the type of ingredients, the storage method, and the temperature and humidity of the environment.

Making your healthy granola bars at home is easy and fun. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavours to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. You can also use this recipe as a base to create other types of bars, such as protein bars, energy bars, or breakfast bars. Whether you prefer them chewy or crunchy, sweet or salty, fruity or nutty, there is a granola bar recipe for everyone. Try making your own granola bars today and enjoy them as a breakfast on the go or as a mid-morning snack.