Deliciously Nutritious Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

Hey there, snack lover! If you’re anything like me, you know the importance of having a healthy treat on hand for those busy days. We’ve all been there: rushing out the door, feeling that mid-afternoon slump, and wishing we had something nutritious to munch on that also satisfies our cravings. Well, look no further because these Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars are here to be your new favorite go-to! Packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re not only delicious but give you the energy boost you need to conquer your day. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

1. Nutritious Goodness: With rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these granola bars are a fantastic source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. They’re perfect for fueling your day without the sugar crash.

2. Customizable: The beauty of these granola bars lies in their versatility. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you love walnuts over almonds or prefer cranberries over raisins, the choice is yours!

3. Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any complicated kitchen gadgets or techniques. Just simple mixing, baking, and you’re on your way to enjoying these tasty bars.

4. Makes a Great Snack: Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, post-gym fuel, or an afternoon snack, these bars can help curb your hunger while keeping your nutrition in check.

5. No Preservatives: By making these granola bars at home, you can avoid all those added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought snacks. Good vibes only!

Step-by-Step: Making Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

Now that you’re convinced this recipe is a winner let’s get to the fun part, making it! Here’s how to whip up these delightful granola bars.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.

2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and mixed nuts, stirring them to mix thoroughly.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey and nut butter. Stir until melted and smooth. This warm mixture will act as the glue that holds your bars together.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add in the vanilla extract and salt. Give it another gentle stir to combine.

5. Pour this warm mixture over your dry ingredients in the bowl and stir well to fully coat the oats and nuts.

6. Fold in the dried fruits and optional chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. This step is super important for making sure your bars hold together.

8. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

9. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is key, so be patient!

Best Ways to Serve Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

These granola bars are delicious straight from the pan, but there are plenty of serving ideas to explore!

1. On the Go: Pack individual bars in snack bags for easy grab-and-go options.

2. With a Dip: Creamy yogurt or thick nut butter can be a delightful addition for those who enjoy a little extra flavor.

3. Breakfast Boost: Crumble a bar over Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a blissful breakfast parfait.

4. With Tea or Coffee: Pair your granola bar with a hot cup of your favorite beverage as a soothing afternoon treat.

Storage Tips for Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

To keep these tasty treats fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the bars are completely cool to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

2. Air Tight Container: Store in an air-tight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. You can even keep them in the fridge for a cool treat!

3. Freeze for Later: If you want to stock up, these bars can be frozen. Just wrap individual portions in parchment paper or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for about three months.

Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, make sure not to overmix. A gentle fold is all you need to keep the texture nice.

2. Press Firmly: Press down hard on the mixture before baking. This not only helps them come together but gives you those perfect crunchy edges.

3. Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different nuts, seeds, and fruits. Get creative with what you have, and discover your own special mix!

Delicious Variations of Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

1. Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey kick.

2. Protein-Packed: Add chia seeds or protein powder for an extra nutritional boost if you’re looking for something hearty.

3. Tropical Twist: Swap out traditional dried fruits for tropical options like dried pineapple, coconut flakes, or mango.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can work, but they may result in a softer texture. Rolled oats give a better chew and hold the bars together nicely.

2. Can I omit the nut butter?
You can use additional honey or maple syrup to compensate, but the bars may be more crumbly without the binding effect of nut butter.

3. How can I make these granola bars vegan?
Simply use maple syrup and your favorite plant-based nut butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly!

There you have it! Your journey to creating these Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars is just a few steps away, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own. Baking love from my kitchen to yours! Happy snacking!

Homemade Trail Mix Granola Bars

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• Author: sophia-kim
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and nutritious homemade granola bars packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for on-the-go snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins, apricots)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and mixed nuts.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the honey and nut butter until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour the warm mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring to coat well.
6. Fold in the dried fruits and chocolate chips.
7. Transfer the mixture to the baking pan and press down firmly.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

These bars can be customized with your choice of nuts and fruits. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg