Description
These Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are a delicious, wholesome snack combining chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and bound with nut butter, these bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a satisfying afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup Chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- ½ cup Chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
- ½ cup Dried fruits (optional; cranberries or raisins)
- 1 pinch Salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…” cup Honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup Nut butter (almond or peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola bars.
- Prepare baking pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats and chopped nuts thoroughly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter until smooth and well blended.
- Coat dry mix: Pour the honey and nut butter mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Add flavorings: Fold in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for balanced sweetness and enhanced flavor.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut and store: Once cooled, cut into 12 bars or squares and store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute nut butter and nuts according to your preference or allergies.
- For vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adding dried fruits is optional but recommended for extra flavor and texture.
- Press mixture firmly in the pan to ensure bars hold together well after baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
